light to a new water sport this week.

Taxi driver Kenneth Burgess had applied for permission to build a "bumper boat'' centre on Middle Road in Southampton.

Now the Development Applications Board has given him permission to press on with the project.

Mr. Burgess hopes to import eight engine-powered boats -- three of which will be for two people -- to start his bumper business.

There will also be a place to serve snacks and about two or three people will be employed in the business which could be called "Waterworks''.

The DAB has put eight conditions on the approval including proper landscaping of the area and hours of operation between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., although the pool will only operate in daylight.

In addition the DAB is insisting that walls surrounding the property will look like Bermuda stone.

Mr. Burgess' application was one of several considered by the DAB which also approved a Government plan to convert the old Military Hospital, on Palmetto Road, into a building department, workshops and offices.

The Hospital used to operate as a centre for troubled teenagers, but was recently closed by Government, which is planning to build a new $3.5 million centre for the teens.

In addition an amendment to an already approved scheme by Southpro Ltd. to demolish the old Mr. Twist building, on South Road, was approved.

Southpro, owned by developer John Berg, intends to build a commercial centre, including a cafe, on the site.

Cambridge Beaches cottage colony was also given permission to build an addition to an existing cottage to relocate a spa and new indoor pool, which the DAB said had to be properly landscaped when finished.

A decision on whether permission be granted to the New Testament Church of God, on Dundonald Street, which would increase its capacity to 1,200, was deferred until extra information is received.