Works Minister Derrick Burgess yesterday insisted Premier Ewart Brown was not behind the controversial move to put a car park for the US Consulate on the lawn at Clifton.

Responding to claims from Devonshire resident Daniel Robinson that a "done deal" has been struck between the Premier and US Consulate General Gregory Slayton, Mr. Burgess told a press conference: "Dr. Brown had no say in this matter. That was a matter for Works and Engineering."

And referring to the comments made by Mr. Robinson earlier this week, the Minister added: "Typical of The Royal Gazette."

Explaining that a car park would improve safety for Consulate visitors who currently have to walk along a busy road from the Arboretum, the Minister continued: "We made the decision. We stand by the decision."

The Development Applications Board yesterday met to discuss the application — for nine asphalt car parking spaces and six motorcycle bays, screened by oleander hedging — and will make its decision public within a week.

Assuming its bid is successful, Works and Engineering will then have to apply for a building permit, which could take another two to four weeks.

Residents' suspicions were aroused when the application was fast-tracked, with workmen beginning to dig up the lawn before neighbours had even been consulted. They believe the move will pave the way for Clifton to be sold to the US, which was told six years ago that its existing site may not be appropriate for its needs.

They also point to Cabinet's recent u-turn over whether or not Clifton is the official residence of the Premier.

When taxpayers forked out $1.5 million to refurbish the property around three years ago, it was done so to make Clifton the official residence of then Premier Alex Scott.

At the time Government vigorously defended the move, saying it was right to fit out a residence for Mr. Scott and whoever is Premier in the future.

However, Dr. Brown, who chooses instead to live in his private luxury home, now says Clifton is not the official residence of the Premier.

His Press Secretary Glenn Jones has so far been unable to explain when Clifton ceased to be the official residence of the Premier — if indeed it ever was.