Progressive Labour Party backbencher Arthur Pitcher began work on a controversial housing project in St. David's without a building permit.

Mr. Pitcher, the local MP, was ordered to stop work at the site on Texas Road near Clearwater Middle School when the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) found out.

Beginning work without a building permit is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 but no action has been taken against the MP yet because the BHC has not reported the matter to the Planning Department.

But Mr. Pitcher could be in hot water because the department is now looking into the matter.

Local residents feel the project to build 20 low cost houses on the Southside site has been railroaded through without proper consultation.

Residents only saw BHC's detailed plans at a heated public meeting on Tuesday, by which time the project had already been given planning agreement in principle.

The residents also feel it is unfair that one-fifth of the 100 houses BHC plans to build for low-income families will be in St. David's.

Mr. Pitcher admitted at the public meeting that he had "jumped the gun'' because there was an urgency about the project as the intention was to get the families in by Christmas.

The builder said he put some footings into the ground, but stopped when he was ordered to do so by the BHC.

Mr. Pitcher told the meeting: "I did start doing some footings and I was stopped. The idea was to get these people in the homes by Christmas.

"I did jump the gun and started the footings on one block. I was told to stop and I did.'' BHC chairman Raymonde Dill told the residents: "Arthur jumped the gun and started the footings. The minute we spotted it he stopped because he didn't have a building permit.'' Later he told The Royal Gazette : "There was demolition work permitted and during our inspection we found there was footing in. I received a call and stopped the work and questioned the contractor about why and how.

"Did I pull concrete out the ground? No, but I have made sure no further work happens.'' He said he had taken no further action over the matter.

A Government Information Services spokesman said: "The Planning Department is looking into this.'' Mr. Pitcher did not return calls from The Royal Gazette on Friday.

Former Finance Minister questions housing bond scheme -- see Page 5 PLANNING PLN