A decision by the Development Applications Board turning down plans for modular housing to address the island’s chronic shortage will be appealed by the Bermuda Housing Corporation, Zane DeSilva said today.

The announcement from the Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing and Municipalities came after residents in the community earmarked for container homes as emergency housing called for clarity around the project.

They said site work appeared to have begun before planning approval for the units.

In an e-mail sent to The Royal Gazette, householders in Boaz Island, Sandys, claimed that activity, including tree cutting, in preparation for the proposed nine modular units started last week but was halted on Tuesday.

The Development Applications Board was to rule today on plans for the scheme, which Mr DeSilva said in November would provide “immediate relief to families in the most critical need and serve as a live pilot to assess modular construction as a long-term housing solution”.

In his statement today, Mr DeSilva cited the need to deliver “immediate opportunities for families in need of stable housing”.

He acknowledged that it could not be “solved overnight” but added that “the need for housing is immediate and requires action”.

Mr DeSilva said: “That is why the Government is advancing innovative solutions, including modular housing. Modular construction is a practical tool that allows for faster delivery while longer-term developments are progressed.”

As a result, he said, the DAB’s “refusal of a recent application” would be appealed.

“The benefits of modular housing are significant and cannot be overlooked, particularly given the current demand.

“At the same time, all developments must be carefully assessed to ensure they are appropriate for their location and aligned with planning and environmental standards.”

Mr DeSilva said in February that he hoped ground would soon be broken at Boaz Island to clear sites for the homes, described as transitional housing at the time.

The modular “capsule” units in the West End were said to be the island’s only such units planned, with other new homes to be precast.

A report from the Department of Planning to the DAB recommended that the application be refused, claiming it violated the Bermuda Plan 2018 by going against the “Bermuda image” and lacked communal space for garbage or adequate private outdoor areas.

The residents’ e-mail, signed Boaz Island Community Voices, was received by the Gazette in the early hours today.

They acknowledged Bermuda’s growing housing challenges but said “there is significant concern about the suitability of this particular location and its potential impact on the surrounding community”.

The e-mail said: “Boaz Island is a quiet, close-knit residential area.

“Residents believe that the introduction of temporary housing units in such close proximity to established condominiums raises important questions around population density, infrastructure capacity, traffic, safety, environmental impact and the preservation of the neighbourhood’s character.”

It added: “To date, at least 15 formal objections have been submitted to the Department of Planning by concerned residents.

“While official approval for the development has not yet been granted, a response letter from the Bermuda Housing Corporation, dated March 18, 2026, was uploaded to the planning application documents on April 2, 2026, for objectors to review.

“Many residents feel that the contents of this response remain high level and do not fully address the specific concerns raised.

“In particular, responses rely on future assurances rather than providing concrete, site-specific detail, contributing to ongoing frustration and uncertainty within the community.”

One 30-year Boaz Island resident said too much was happening at the site too quickly.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said that despite criticism, “they are planning on doing it anyway”.

“That’s disrespectful to the objections and to this whole community.”

She added: “I understand that people need housing, but there are so many other locations that they could have chosen.”

Another woman, who also wished to remain anonymous, said the ministry could have placed housing in Albert Row or Lodge Point in Ireland Island South, where several homes once stood, instead of choosing an already densely populated area.

The longstanding resident said: “We have no problem with them building homes, but just not here.”

A three-year resident of Boaz Island, who also wished to remain anonymous, felt that the area’s community atmosphere was at stake.

The e-mail said residents felt that while a community meeting was held, “consultation has been limited”.

It added: “Key details — including the duration of the housing, long-term plans for the site and ongoing management — have not been clearly communicated.

“Residents further note that site activity, including tree clearing, commenced on Monday, March 30, despite the fact that the planning application had not been approved.”

It said residents, who called for tree clearing to halt pending a decision on the planning application, were told on April 1 that it would halt “immediately” — but that cutting continued up until Monday evening.

The correspondence claimed that the pause “today” — understood to mean Tuesday — coincided with “the reported discovery of asbestos at the site”.

The Gazette noticed workers, a tractor and a dumpster at the site today.

The e-mail questioned whether the pause reflected “a reconsideration of the proposal or is solely related to environmental and safety remediation”.

“The Boaz Island community is calling for greater transparency and meaningful engagement before any decisions are finalised.

“It is their desire that this ‘pilot’ project be located at an alternative location.”

The letter added: “Residents are urging the relevant authorities to provide clear, comprehensive information and to ensure that all stakeholder perspectives are properly considered as a final decision is made.”