Approval has been given for an extension to a Hamilton guest house following an appeal hearing.

Environment Minister Harry Soares gave in-principle approval to Rosemont guest house but laid down a range of alterations which would have to be made to the plans before it received final approval.

He made the decision after UK Planning inspector Peter Cuming said appeals against the plans should be allowed and permission should not be granted.

His decision was made following a public appeal hearing held last month, when objectors and the applicant made their case before Mr. Cuming.

Rosemont owner Cyril Cooper wanted to add a total of 18 new tourist units by demolishing existing rooms at the Rosemont Avenue site.

But neighbouring property owner Judith Montgomery-Moore and resident Monroe Trout both feared their privacy would be invaded by the new buildings, and there would be noise and pollution generated.

The proposed development was intended to be lower than neighbouring properties, it was stated.

Mr. Cuming said a redesign of the proposed blocks would overcome some of the objections and extra landscaping would soften the impact of the buildings.

He said both appellants had exaggerated the effect on their properties and the loss of privacy.

There was no evidence of difficulty with the density of the development.

The Environment Minister granted in principle approval with conditions of design improvements on the blocks.

In addition, final details of the units are to be submitted for final approval by the Development Application Board.

Mr. Soares backed an appeal against a new Hamilton nursery on Richmond Road.

He accepted the recommendation of British planning inspector Brian Field that the Lansdowne property not be changed to use for the Bloomfield Nursery.

Nursery owner Caroline Gosling applied in April to convert the building to accommodate up to 60 pre-schoolers, and at least ten neighbours objected.

Mr. Field called the case "particularly difficult'' and said there was no question the site was ideal for a nursery.

He wrote that although the 1992 Bermuda Plan sets out site criteria and development standards, it does not explain "aggregate levels'' of non-residential uses in neighbourhoods.

He said Richmond Road was approaching a saturation threshold and a residential home owner should not expect to get more than one "mixed use'' neighbour.

Mr. Field also said the character of the neighbourhood had changed and disagreed that adding one more nursery would do little further damage.