Proposed new rooms at a Hamilton guest house were described as "battery cages for tourists'' an appeal hearing was yesterday told.

The planned extension at Rosemont guest apartments was a "monstrosity'' that would bring an intrusion to neighbouring residences on Rosemont Avenue, it was claimed.

Lawyer David Cooper, representing Judith Montgomery-Moore, owner of neighbouring property Kelton, was speaking at Bermuda's first public planning appeal held by an overseas inspector.

Miss Montgomery-Moore and other residents had appealed against the decision to grant planning permission to Rosemont owner Cyril Cooper, to add a total of 18 new tourist units by demolishing an existing building.

Chaired by planning inspector Peter Cumings, from the UK, the hearing heard from both objectors and applicants.

A report and recommendations from Mr. Cumings will be made to Environmemt Minister Harry Soares within three weeks. He will then make a final decision on the case.

Mr. Cooper said the primary consideration should be how the development imparts other residences, and should take into account the overall site if neighbours were to improve their homes.

He cited a 15-year-old local plan which said 78 percent of residents in the area did not want any further guest house development.

A report prepared for the hearing by civil engineer Christopher Crisson said there was no provision for screening, rain run-off from the site could be a consideration and the new building would overshadow Kelton property.

But Alan Dunch, of Mello, Hollis, Jones and Martin, representing Rosemont owner Cyril Cooper, poured scorn on the claims by the objectors.

He asked Mr. Crisson if he was aware that the proposed development would be lower than Kelton next door.

Neighbours pan Rosemont plans The ground elevation of Rosemont would be lower than the ground floor level of the home to the side, said Mr. Dunch, having an effect on concerns over shadowing of the existing residences.

And he refuted claims over rainwater run-off, saying the hardstanding area was no longer a concern as an absorbent material could be used in the driveway.

PLANNING PLN