A plan to turn a former preschool into studio apartments and lofts has been given the green light by planning officials.

The proposal to the Development Applications Board, submitted by the Bermuda Housing Corporation, suggested turning the old St David’s preschool on Battery Road and a neighbouring building into 14 homes.

The plan included seven single-bedroom lofts, six studio apartments, a two-bedroom villa and a maintenance office.

Keino Furbert-Jacobs of the BHC said in the application that the project was one of several to create accommodations for “active singles”.

The minutes of the DAB’s November 6 meeting said that the technical officer had supported the application.

But the board said at the meeting they were concerned about the lack of detail on communal space at the proposed development.

The minutes added: “The technical officer advised that private space would be provided in the form of balconies and enclosed gardens and, whilst no communal space is identified on plan, this would be provided in the unenclosed lawned areas and a significant amount of land which can be used as communal open space already exists within the lot.

“The technical officer further noted that the entire lot is surrounded by park zoning, so the local area is particularly well served by useable open space.”

Work began earlier this year to remove a roof containing asbestos from the preschool building.

But the work raised fears among some neighbours, who claimed they had not been warned.

Loren Belboda, of asbestos removal specialists AMR Services, said he had been assured notification had been sent to area residents, but he ordered a temporary halt to the operation after neighbours complained.