Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee rejected plans last Thursday submitted by the English Curling Association (ECA) for an old barn at Hayley Green Farm to be converted into what would have been only the second curling rink in England.

Despite the council’s highways department and planning officers recommending the application for approval, councillors refused the application on the grounds of an increase in traffic and noise disturbance to nearby neighbours.

If the application had been approved, the rink would have featured three curling lanes, a reception and gallery area, club room, cellar and bar area, kitchen, shower facilities and changing rooms, as well as a 13m x 30m extension to the barn.

However, Stephen Hinds, national development director for the ECA, said he would not give up on the site and would look to either amend and re-submit the application or submit an appeal.

He said: “It was a bit of a surprise to me that the councillors rejected the application as both the council’s highways department and planning officers both approved of it, so to refuse it seems crazy to me.

“We are going to get Christmas and New Year out of the way first before we look at the application again and the reasons as to why it was refused.

“It is too early to say whether we will re-submit the application with changes or appeal this decision but one thing is for sure is that we will not give up on this site.” More than 120 letters were received from backers all across the globe, but 16 letters of objection from neighbours and Warfield Parish Council voiced concerns over the plans.

Cllr Susie Phillips, of Winkfield & Cranbourne ward, had submitted a motion raising her issues over the application. She said: “As a Canadian I was brought up with curling, so I am not against the sport – I absolutely love watching it. However, I believe this is simply not in the right area.

“The proposed extension, additional car parking and increased levels of activity associated with the proposed use would have a detrimental impact upon the open and rural character of the area.

“The proposed curling rink use, chiller equipment and car parking area by reason of its sighting and proximity to the boundary with neighbouring properties would result in an unacceptable level of noise and disturbance to the detriment of the living conditions of neighbouring properties.” Mr Hinds said the ECA would look to review its next steps in the new year.