September 21 will be the day of a long-awaited hearing between furious residents at Mary Victoria Road and Alexandra Road in Devonshire and the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC).

The Development Applications Board (DAB) resolved to have a hearing in relation to a planning application by the BHC to build 20 new homes at No?s 11, 13, 15 and 17 at Alexandra Road and No?s 2 and 4 on Mary Victoria Road.

As reported previously, the DAB hardly ever grants requests for hearings except for large developments or when there are a large number of objectors.

When the BHC first submitted plans to build 20 homes in the neighbourhood residents hit back, telling the DAB they were ?concerned for the basic quality life for all of Prospect?s residents?.

Director of Planning Rudolph Hollis said recently the hearing will not be open to the public and will not be held at the Department of Planning?s board room as the number of objectors was much greater than 20.

As a result the hearing would have to held in another location, unless residents write in to Planning and say only two group representatives would be attending.

?A hearing is an opportunity for the applicants and objectors to put their formal arguments to the Board,? Mr. Hollis explained.

Prospect resident spokeswoman Albertha Waite could not be contacted for comment yesterday.