Hamilton, approved by planners last month, has been put on hold after the National Trust launched an appeal on Thursday.

National Trust Environment Committee Chairwoman Edith Martin said: "When built it will be six floors above the ground, spanning the block from Victoria to Dundonald Streets with 76 units. "This is a high density mega complex different from anything in the area or the rest of Bermuda.

"While the National Trust supports the principle of having more people living in North East Hamilton, we believe that to develop this site to the maximum is not in the best interests of the area.

"It would mean too many people in too small a space. Given the lack of parks in the back of town, it is our view that developments such as this also need to add a bit of extra outdoor breathing space for its residents.

"The National Trust has filed an appeal - the gist of our appeal is that the project should be scaled back before any permission is granted.

"This way the complex will be compatible with a strategy of gentrifying the area, not overpowering it.

However Mr. Swan said it was full-steam ahead with the project.

He said: "I don't really know about this. But how can they appeal after the planning department has already decided? "I still respect the National Trust - they have a special job to do. That's their perogative.

However Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson said appeals could be launched after the Development Application Board had passed a plan.

He said an independent inspector would look at the case within the next three months but it was possible it could be examined a lot sooner. The complex, which will include a gym and a swimming pool, had been given strong backing by the Corporation of Hamilton.

When it was given the green light last month Corporation Secretary Roger Sherratt had said the building chimed with the line the new City of Hamilton plan is expected to take which was to attract more residential development in the city.

He said: "It will enliven the city -- people who live there will go to the bars and eat in the restaurants.

"It's in an ideal location.'' ENVIRONMENT ENV HOUSING HSG CLUB CLB