Plans to build a three bed house just off Binfield Road have been refused by Bracknell Forest Council.

Under the plans, a new house would have been built next to 103 Moordale Avenue, on the corner of Englemere Road. But Bracknell Forest Council said the new house would have a negative impact on a nearby habitat for wild birds.

Plans submitted to Bracknell Forest Council suggested they had been adapted to address concerns the new house would be out of keeping with the rest of the street.

The plans said: “The proposed development would preserve the character and appearance of the street scene.

“The proposal would have no adverse impact on the residential amenities of the neighbouring properties. Furthermore, the proposal would provide sufficient off-street parking and would cause no harm to highway safety.”

Council planning officers said the design was acceptable. But they said the occupants of the new house would be extra pressure on the Thames Heath Special Protection Area.

This is an area of heathland south of Bracknell where wild birds nest. Council planning rules say any increase in homes within a five kilometre straight line of this must come with measures to mitigate against its impact on the area.

Officers said the plans wouldn’t be acceptable without this. They said: “The occupants of the development would put extra pressure on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area and the proposal would not satisfactorily mitigate its impacts in this respect.”