Wildlife concerns halt Bracknell redevelopment plan

Communities secretary John Denham has refused permission on appeal for 975 homes in Berkshire on environmental grounds.

The mixed-use scheme, put forward by Legal and General (L&G), to redevelop the former Transport Research Laboratory site near Crowthorne was originally blocked by Bracknell Forest Borough Council last year.

The case went to the secretary of state who concluded that the scheme could not go ahead, mainly because of the impact on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA).

Mr Denham's decision letter acknowledged that the scheme would increase the local supply of housing, but highlighted a number of conflicts with the development plan. He concluded that because of the "potential effects of the development on the SPA", the appeal could not be allowed.The RSPB said it was "delighted" with the decision. At the inquiry the organisation had claimed the scheme would damage the SPA and potentially harm protected species.

The group had outlined its case claiming the plan would damage the SPA, whose protected species include the Dartford warbler, nightjar and woodlark.

A spokesman for L&G voiced disappointment at the decision but pointed out that the door had not been completely shut on the reuse of the site provided the habitat issues could be resolved.