An application has been submitted to the Planning Department to obtain retroactive approval for rogue renovations which were done on the Tee Street home of a Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) officer.

Planning officers discovered last month that extensive renovations were done at the home Terrence Smith despite the fact that the Development Applications Board (DAB) has refused permission for the changes last August.

The Royal Gazette also revealed that some of the unauthorised work on the Devonshire home was done by a Planning Inspector freelancing in his free time.

The new application, submitted April 24, requests retroactive approval to enlarge the third bedroom creating a larger veranda and storage area, add a new roof over the master bedroom, change a roof to deck and pergolas and to upgrade the home's existing parking area from the North right of way.

The application seeks the same renovations the DAB turned down in August as well as few additions according the Planning file.

The additions enlarge the home by 390 square feet, taking floor space to 5,899 square feet on the 95,745 square-foot lot.

The Royal Gazette understands that the key problem with the previously rejected plans was that the Smiths had not proved to Planning that they had right of way over an access area.

"It has come to my attention that development exists on this site that is outside the approval granted September 14, 2000," wrote Planning officer Nicky Gurret in a March 21 letter to Mr. Smith.

"Your application for revisions... was refused August 29, 2001.

"Notwithstanding the board's decision, after having visited the site recently, it appears that all those works refused have been carried out."

The letter also stated that the Planning department would not support the retroactive application unless the original reasons permission was refused are addressed and a planned course of action submitted.

However, the new application also includes deeds indicating that the Smiths have legal access over the right of way on the Northern boundary.

The three-storey, four-bedroom home has been under work since the summer of 2000 its grounds include a pool, pool house, two-storey garage and sauna.

The BHC officer's home came to media attention when a contractor alleged that he was sacked from his BHC jobs after he tried to bill Mr. Smith for work done on the Tee Street property.

Contractor Kevin Pilgrim of SOHO Applications has since filed a writ against Mr. Smith.

He is represented by lawyer Juliana Jack of Mello, Jones and Martin.