Updated 12.15pm - Added second video

An irate Pembroke resident interrupted a press conference by PN leadership hopeful Chris Said this morning, asking why he had not attended a protest against a proposed private school there.

The resident questioned past PN administrations' policy decisions, which had led to development creep in the locality.

Dr Said said he was worried about the government sending mixed messages on the proposed development. The Opposition, he said, would continue putting pressure on the government to ensure it remained a green lung.

WATCH: Environment Minister shows up at Pembroke school protest

Pembroke residents are dead set against plans to build a school on virgin land in the town and held a protest against the plans this week. Environment Minister Jose Herrera showed up in support, telling the media that "this government was elected stating that it will prioritise the government."

Chiswick school authorities have noted that the land is not ODZ and that it was earmarked for development in a 2006 local plan for the area. They also say that only 25 per cent of the available land will be built up, with a purposely-build road ensuring the school does not add to traffic in the area. 

The government has said that it cannot stop the development unilaterally, saying the school had applied through proper channels and that the government could not interfere with planning and land authorities. 

Dr Said spoke to residents after the press conference, saying the government had the power to save the land from development. He told the residents that the PN parliamentary group had not been informed of the protest, and that he would have attended had he known of it. 

What began as a feisty exchange ended amicably, with Dr Said and the irate resident shaking hands. 

Dr Said held the press conference to announce proposals on local council matters. Councillors from various localities stood by him as he spoke. 

Chris Said and the resident had a chat after the press conference. Photo: Ivan Martin