the controversial Hamilton Wonderland Cave development.

Wilkinson Estates ran into trouble earlier this year when they began fitting a lighting system and cleared protected woodland before permission had been given.

The firm want to open the cave, next to their Crystal Caves site in Wilkinson Avenue, Hamilton Parish, by April next year.

A spokesman for the Planning Department said: "When it's something new and different, the Board generally likes to make a site visit.'' The plan to open the cave for public tours drew strong objection from the National Trust earlier in the year.

Environmental Officer Cathy Gosling said Wilkinson Trust surveyor David Summers should not get off Scott-free for cutting down woodland.

Mr. Summers could not be contacted last night.

But Ms Gosling said: "We're anxious that if they are going to open, that it's done properly. They should take precautions with the cave environment.

"We have written to the Planning Department. We want regular samples of the water to make sure there's no pollution there.

"They should keep lights to the minimum so algae does not start growing. We'd prefer they just wore lights on their hats.''