Grape Bay residents are outraged at plans for a development they claim will severely damage the environment.

Concerns that the development verges on to a woodland reserve were paramount.

"Everyone is just so upset," neighbour Anita Belvin told . Worried the environmental impact to the area would be devastating, she added: "It's not benefiting anybody except them.

"It's not giving housing to anyone who needs it. If it was to build affordable housing, I could understand. But they're not building for that."

Submitted by developer Roderick DeCouto, who also lives in the area, the plans for the development call for 12 townhouses, a pool, and a gazebo, all situated in an area which is currently all woodland.

understands the townhouses would not be sold separately, causing neighbours to be concerned they would be of little interest to Bermudians and will be targeted at those with housing allowances.

Objection letters to the Department of Planning said the development would mean an increase in traffic and trash, the destruction of a large amount of woodland, and the possible destruction of a colony of Indian Top Shells on Grape Bay Beach ? one of the few areas of the Island where they are flourishing. "It's such a beautiful colony," Ms Belvin said.

Trash was also a large concern, with neighbours already often spending their Sundays clearing trash from the beach.

An objection letter to the Planning Department from the Belvin family said Grape Bay was still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Fabian.

The letter said during the hurricane the woodland area where proposed two lots would be built was flooded. The Planning Department stated in a recent issue of Envirotalk that guiding new development away from exposed coastal areas vulnerable to erosion will be part of future efforts to protect valuable open space.

Several objection letters cited concerns about an increase in traffic on the road. A letter from Ardsheal Drive neighbour Iva Peele said the entrance road "was not designed to handle a heavy volume of traffic."

"Increased traffic on this narrow road will endanger our family, guests and other residents who live in the area," the letter stated.

Most of the letters were concerned the development is situated on land zoned for woodland reserve, and some complained it was "out of character" for the neighbourhood.

"They are taking away beautiful open land," Ms Belvin said. "What do they need them for? This is not going to benefit anybody but themselves."

Today is the last day for objections to be lodged with Planning. understands more objection letters are expected.