The Cabinet Minister pushing through Bermuda's new historic buildings register could give homeowners an opt-out -- after his own house was listed.

Environment Minister Harry Soares lodged his own objections when his luxury house in Paget was given Grade II status by planning chiefs.

Now he has told The Royal Gazette that the present proposals are a "perceived double standard''.

It is understood Mr. Soares may allow objectors to pull their homes off the list if they cannot be persuaded to sign up.

He will also consider a compensation package for owners who cannot afford to upgrade their properties.

The Minister said the number of houses on the list amounted to five percent of Bermuda homes, adding: "It's vital that we get this right.'' But he was accused of undermining the scheme by several conservationists close to the Historic Buildings Committee, who have been compiling the list since 1991.

One said: "He's changing the rules so that it's optional. That makes the whole scheme pointless.'' A spokeswoman for the National Trust said: "We would be very concerned to find out that inclusion in the listing of buildings for their special architectural or historical interest was to be made voluntary.

"That would be rather like allowing developers to choose whether or not to abide by zonings under the Development Plan. We need to speak to the Minister to find out what is going on.'' The new register bans development at hundreds of private homes but allows historic landmarks like the House of Assembly to be modified unchecked.

That is because no buildings in the City of Hamilton are on the register.

Mr. Soares found out his own home, Rural Hill on Grape Bay Drive, was listed at the beginning of July.

He confirmed he had misgivings about the scheme's present form last night. He said: "My house is listed Grade II, which isn't really onerous. This is really nothing to do with me and my property.

"We are looking at this from a macro picture. It's not about how it affects me. Whether my house is listed or not is incidental to the process.

"I have quite an old house that's been added to over the years. Some parts of it are very attractive and we want to keep it that way.

Soares may allow owners off protected homes list Contined from Page 1 "But any decision on the scheme would have nothing to do with me and my house.

"It's bigger than just one person and it's the overall policy for the whole Country that's important.

"Government is exempt with the Parliament building and the old fire station not appearing on the list.

"But individuals are not exempt. I'm opposed to a perceived double standard.'' The deadline for objections has already been extended to September 30. But Mr.

Soares said the "overwhelming majority'' of owners allowed their homes to be registered.

"We want people to come on board voluntarily,'' added Mr. Soares, who said there were around 880 properties on the list.

"The review that I'm doing will include financial incentives we might think are reasonable.

"The Historic Buildings Committee have worked very, very hard for seven years. But the public have brought us new perspectives that we didn't think of. The last thing we want to do is hurt anybody.

"Those people who ask to be listed now will be listed. The people who said they would rather not be listed will have their cases re-examined.

"We will see how we can work with them so we can assure them that this is in their best interests.'' Private homes can be listed Grade I, II or III. Grade I presents the most restrictions but Grade III homeowners still have to prove any modifications are in "sympathy'' with the property's traditions.

HOME COMFORTS -- "Rural Hill'', the Grade II listed house owned by Environment Minister Harry Soares, on Grape Bay Drive in Paget.

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