The American Consulate has submitted plans for multi-million dollar security upgrade and is seeking a special development order from Government to carry it out.

Among the changes in store for the Middle Road, Devonshire property will be a steel picket fence around the perimeter of the property, a vehicle barrier at the gate and new controlled access centre (CAC) building at set slightly back from the road.

The United States Government chose to revisit security provisions at its overseas embassies and consulates following bombings at two African embassies four years ago.

"After the horrific bombings in the American embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania in August 1998, the Department of State - by mandate of the US Congress - undertook an ambitious project to upgrade the security at all American diplomatic facilities around the world," wrote acting US Consul General Karen Emmerson in a letter accompanying the Planning application to Environment Permanent Secretary Brian Rowlinson .

The letter goes on to state that the work began in 1999 but was undertaken in order of priority.

"The major upgrades needed to bring the Consulate General up to congressionally-mandated worldwide security standards include; construction of a nine foot perimeter wall/fence; a vehicle barrier and access control centre at the entrance gate; `hardening' of the interior walls on the ground floor of the building; and, installation of blast-proof windows."

Consulate staff also took measures to inform area neighbours of the upcoming security changes.

US Consul Jennifer Schools told The Royal Gazette yesterday that every effort had been made to keep the appearance of the Consulate in line with Bermuda architecture.

The CAC building will resemble a small, Bermuda cottage, she said.

Ms Schools also said many of the routine forms people seek at the consulate, such as visa applications, will now be held in the CAC building.

Some details of the impending security features are included in the file, however, a memo from Ms Emmerson notes:

"As this is a security upgrade project, several pages of `details' that have international security implications have been removed."

The Planning application was submitted on February 26 and has yet to be considered.

The application also notes the consulate hopes to begin instituting security measures next month.