A charity has urged the Government to consider additional tree plantings at several planned affordable housing developments to further improve the sites for residents.

In a letter of concern regarding a proposal for new housing on Cochrane Road in Sandys, Janice Hetzel, of the Bermuda Audubon Society, said the organisation fully supports the Government’s efforts to build more affordable housing for the community.

However, she said that the charity was concerned by the lack of landscaping proposed for the site and that the application did not appear to comply with all of the conditions from a special development order for the site.

Ms Hetzel wrote: “The landscaping plan on the submitted drawings only shows minimal plantings and green space.

“Given that this is a large development, proposed for an area zoned open space reserve, that is in a highly visible location on the main road leading in and out of the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, we would like to take this opportunity to request a more extensive plan for denser landscaping and larger green spaces.”

She added that there is a proven link between exposure to natural green spaces, wildlife and better mental health, suggesting that the planting of native and endemic species would only improve the site.

Ms Hetzel wrote: “Not only are these trees and shrubs better able to withstand Bermuda’s climate, but they also provide essential habitat and food sources to our native wildlife.

“These plantings would, therefore, be more likely to attract birds and other species into the area, which will enhance the local environment and provide further enjoyment for the residents.”

She also noted that the Victoria Place Rental Homes (Ireland Island, Sandys Parish) Special Development Order 2010, required a traffic impact analysis, sewage treatment, storm water management and potable water provision report.

Ms Hetzel further suggested that solar panels be considered for the buildings, which could significantly reduce electricity bills for occupants and make the units even more affordable for those who need it most.

The BAS separately suggested more dense plantings at the proposed Village at Cann Park II in Southampton, a three-storey senior living facility intended to offer 110 single-bedroom units.

The charity said the additional plantings would help to soften the impact of the “large development” and improve the wellbeing of the seniors who reside there.

Both projects were among those proposed to help address Bermuda’s housing problems with the Government stating that it hoped to bring between 950 and 1,350 housing units online by 2035.

As part of the first phase of the project, Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, said more than 200 planned homes would be created at five sites.

These units would be reserved for families on the BHC waiting list, as well as seniors on fixed incomes, single-parent households, young people looking for their own spaces and those dealing with homelessness.