The Environment Minister has allowed an appeal by the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) to build 38 new homes at Perimeter Lane, Pembroke, despite vociferous protests from residents.

Last January BHC sought in-principle planning permission to demolish existing buildings at numbers 18 and 20 Perimeter Lane to construct a new five-storey apartment house development.

The Development Applications Board (DAB) refused BHC permission in April as it did not have consent from neighbours.

However, on May 2, BHC appealed the DAB decision to Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield.

On August 19 the appeal was allowed and BHC was granted in-principle planning permission for Perimeter Lane.

As a result, BHC sought final Planning approval on September 21 which was granted on November 28.

?The planning inspectors report considered that the exceptional topographical circumstances of the site and surroundings offered an exceptional development opportunity and therefore it was recommended that the Minister consider the approval of a slight excess in density (two additional units) and minor infringements into the minimum required setback,? a DAB report said.

The complex, built on residential zoned land, will have a 100-foot setback from Perimeter Lane and a 40 foot setback from Marsh Folly Road, it said.

It said Planning permission was granted pending the addition of 47 car parking spaces and a communal garbage and mailbox area.

Residents sent four objection letters to Planning between September 30 and November 28.

?While we do not oppose the construction of units in our neighbourhood in order to provide more low cost housing for Bermudians we do, however, strongly oppose the amount that you desire to build,? spokesperson for the residents John Roach said. ?It was just last week our area representative Nelson Bascome pointed out in Parliament the numerous environmental factors that could impact our neighbourhood. It seems the engineers have overlooked these factors.?

The residents said the miscommunication they suffered from both BHC and the Ministry of Works and Engineering and Housing displayed blatant disrespect.

They said they were never invited to a hearing at the DAB to voice their objections.

Architect Andrew Jekyll conceded BHC?s original in-principle application did not receive consent from the neighbours.

?However, it should also be noted that the applicant did not receive any objections when it submitted for in-principle approval,? Mr. Jekyll said.

He said it was not cheap, low- cost housing, was not an absolute last resort and as a former quarry the site was an ideal location for development.

?We cannot comment on how the proposed development will affect current home values,? he said. ?It is our opinion that the attractively designed complex will increase current values.?