The Bermuda Housing Corporation is planning a multi-million dollar housing development for the Marsh Folly area.

Architect David Benevides confirmed that he has drawn up plans for a new 38-unit apartment complex. Three buildings would replace the current unit on Perimeter Lane near Marsh Folly Road in Pembroke.

Mr. Benevides? design ? which is currently under review by the Department of Planning ? shows one five-storey apartment building flanked on either side by two three-storey apartment buildings. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will be available. The one bedroom apartments are planned to be 680 square feet, two bedroom at 830 square feet and three bedroom at 1,130 square feet.

Plans include a mini-basketball court, a children?s playground, benches dotted around the numerous ?communal spaces? and car and bike parking.

All apartments are planned to have balconies and the land zoning is residential one.

Mr. Benevides said a pink house on Perimeter Lane which would need to be demolished before construction on the apartment complex could begin.

But Director of Planning, Rudolph Hollis, wrote to the architect last week, informing the company it would first have to get the consent of the neighbouring property owners ?before a detailed appraisal of the project can be undertaken?.

In October, BHC deputy chairman David Burch said the Perimeter Lane project had ?the highest priority for the Corporation but there are a number of obstacles outside of our control?.

?We have to get on an architect?s schedule, then get through the hurdle of Planning, then through the bidding process,? he said. ?It will be the wish of the Board to break ground before the end of the year, but it?s probably a little unrealistic.?

Mr. Benevides was unable to divulge the estimated cost of the project but said that it would run into the millions. ?It?s definitely a multi-million dollar development,? he said.

He said that the plan is to use standard building materials of cement block rather than less expensive prefabricated siding or the newer poured cement method.