complex in Warwick, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

The Development Applications Board has received a planning application to build 15 two-bed units next to Brenda's Poolside Diner on South Shore at the old Mr. Twist site.

Housing Minister Nelson Bascome confirmed his Ministry was looking to build in Warwick but was reluctant to steal the thunder from BHC Board Chairman Raymonde Dill who is expected to release details at a press conference tomorrow.

Calls to Mr. Dill were not returned.

Mr. Bascome also demolished rumours that the planned housing development in Texas Road, St. David's, would wipe out a field at Clearwater School.

And he denied there was any favouritism in awarding the building work to local Progressive Labour Party MP Arthur Pitcher's firm.

He said all small construction firms were looked at as the Government set about building new houses but the building boom made options more limited.

"We have given out contracts to several different small contracting firms who have made themselves available to Bermuda Housing Corporation,'' said Mr.

Bascome.

"Just because Arthur Pitcher is a PLP member doesn't mean we will leave him out of the loop.

"A number of construction firms have UBP people but we won't leave them out of the loop either.

"It's very fair. The board makes its decisions after a team of officers have assessed who can do the work in the right time period at the right cost.

"It's a business decision.'' And Mr. Bascome said the uproar over new housing at Southside was unjustified as there were far more houses and people there when the US bases were in operation.

He said: "People should be appreciative of efforts to take care of Bermudians.'' One resident said locals had been kept in the dark by Mr. Pitcher who had snubbed the chance to attend a meeting and explain what was going on.

And she claimed Mr. Pitcher was planning to bring in Mexican workers to build the 20 prefab units.

She said: "They are bringing in foreigners to do the work but PLP is supposed to be against foreigners being here.'' Mr. Pitcher declined several opportunities to talk to The Royal Gazette .