Government last night withdrew a controversial planning application for affordable houses at Prospect to allow more time to compromise with protesting residents following an emotional debate in the House of Assembly.

In a dramatic move, Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent agreed to pull back plans to build 34 houses at Mary Victoria and Alexandra Roads to allow time to consult further with residents ?with a view to effecting a compromise?.

The public galleries at the House were packed with residents who had turned up to hear the debate on a United Bermuda Party motion for the rejection of the development on the grounds it could have a negative effect on the area.

Shadow Housing Minister Wayne Furbert had accused Government of not listening to residents who feared the development could lead to overcrowding, noise pollution, sewage problems, traffic congestion, and an increase in crime.

He said the UBP recognised the housing crisis and had a plan to build 100 low-cost homes, but they did not need to be built at the Prospect site because there were other, more suitable locations.

But, in an emotional speech, Mr. DeVent accused the Opposition of shamefully exploiting the situation for political gain while Bermudians were sleeping in cars and in trees.

And he warned: ?For us to make political usage (of the housing crisis) is sin, suicidal, and genocidal.

?If we don?t begin to embrace the growing number of people in this country that don?t have homes ? then you will begin to produce the people who pull guns and don?t give a hat about anything.?

Mr. DeVent said he appealed both to the Christianity and the humanity of the residents, saying: ?If we don?t begin to house those people who need adequate housing, we can kiss it all goodbye. For political points, they (the UBP) have not even embraced the concept of compromise. I said, I was willing to compromise, and they were not even willing to embrace it.?

Following more than four hours of heated political debate, the UBP?s original motion calling for the development to be scrapped was not voted on.

Instead, Government Whip Ottiwell Simmons tabled a ?take note motion? stating: ?It is premature to reject any further building development of new homes at Mary Victoria or Alexandra Roads due to the negative impact economically, socially and psychologically, given that the Minister has clearly indicated that he is prepared to enter into constructive dialogue with the affected stakeholders with a view to effecting a compromise.?

A roll call was conducted, with 19 PLP MPs present in the House voting to carry the motion, and the 14 UBP MPs present voting against it.

However, in yet another dramatic turn of events, Opposition Leader Dr. Grant Gibbons said the new motion was ?just more words? and tabled a last-minute ?addendum? to the motion: ?And, in the spirit of compromise, will cause the planning application to be withdrawn pending compromise.?

?In good faith, I will accept that motion,? Mr. DeVent said to an explosion of cheers and foot-stomping, both from inside the House and the gallery.