The Bermuda Housing Corporation has communicated with residents about new units at Mary Victoria and Alexandra Roads, Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent said last night.

The BHC is seeking planning approval to construct 20 dwelling units in the area. Originally 34 units were to be built, but after residents protested Mr. DeVent promised to withdraw that planning application and seek consultation.

However when area residents received a letter from the BHC announcing that plans had been revised they called foul, saying that the Minister had gone back on his word and had not consulted with them.

Last night Mr. DeVent said all the residents' objections had been met, calling on them for understanding. "I want to confirm that the BHC has communicated with the residents throughout the execution of major maintenance works in the area, and it is the Ministry's understanding that their issues as it relates to parking congestion have been addressed in the revised plans," Mr. DeVent said in a statement last night.

"The issues of concern for area residents, which involved repairs to the road infrastructure and adequate lighting in the neighbourhood have also been fully addressed. Work to replace damaged or missing roof gutters will soon begin."

"I also want to advise that the architectural plans for the units allow for parking to be off road and primarily in the rear or on the side of the facility, and as such, this will not put any added burden on the neighbourhood's thoroughfare. The units will have their own water tanks and cesspits and, in this regard, will not further tax the existing infrastructure.

"As for the units themselves, it was envisaged that we would build 34 units. However, after extensive deliberations and consultations, it was decided that we would in fact settle on the lesser number of 20.

"It is important to stress that these 20 units are well below the maximum allowable new units under existing Department of Planning regulations. Again, I feel it important to remind the public that the Ministry has an obligation to build houses. I would ask the area residents to understand, that if we as a community are not prepared to embrace Bermudians in our neighbourhoods, then we are in for a serious challenge."