Angry residents have hit out at Government amid claims they were not consulted about plans to build 38 homes at Perimeter Lane.

The Pembroke site ? about two acres ? currently holds two houses owned by the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

The BHC sought permission to build 38 units but was turned down by the Development Applications Board in April because its submission did not include the consent of neighbours. The plans, however, were approved in principle.

The residents are worried that building will begin and plan to get a stop order put in place on Monday to ensure Government will not begin construction.

Perimeter Lane spokesman John Roach organised a meeting yesterday for residents to voice concerns. The area's Government MP Nelson Bascome was also present.

It was quickly evident that residents were not suffering from "not in my backyard" syndrome ? they simply claim Government is not going through the correct channels and is overly ambitious with the number of units to be built.

"It's not that we don't want this project, most of the people [who would benefit are our people, we just want it downsized," Mr. Roach said during the meeting. The residents believe that the location is simply not big enough for 38 units, as well as parking spaces. A number of people were concerned that traffic would drastically increase on the road, which only has one entrance and exit. The units would also house a number of families, but there would be nowhere for children to play. These are just a few of the group's concerns.

They are also angry because Government has yet to involve them in the process.

A meeting was set up with Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent on March 9 to discuss the plans but the Minister failed to show up. The residents were assured that another meeting would take place but no one has contacted them. Mr. Roach said: "The lack of communication displays disrespect to the residents of Perimeter Lane."

No one has contacted Alfred Butterfield who has lived in one of the houses on the proposed site for nine years. He told that he found out about it in the paper and was surprised.

Mr. Bascome said Mr. DeVent was willing to meet with the residents. He also said that BHC chairman David Burch would meet with them.

One resident, home owner Jerry Robinson said he wants Government to listen to them but he doesn't want this to turn into a "shouting match between the government and opposition".

"We know our Bermudians need homes and we are happy to let them build here. We just want it downsized," neighbour Kathy Roberts said. The group hopes to meet Mr. DeVent on Monday evening at the site.