Bridgerton TV film set in Bracknell could harm birds

This is one of a number of reasons the proposals — which would see film crews set up their sets near Swinley Forest at Buttersteep Rise in Ascot — should be thrown out, according to the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

An unnamed US production company wants to use the site as a filming base for a maximum of twelve months, but the earmarked space is green belt land protected from building.

Bridgerton film set Buttersteep Rise

A letter from CPRE Bracknell Forest district chairman highlighted the organisation’s opposition to the designs.

In particular, it emphasised the harm the set could have on birds in the area.

It read: “The application site is in proximity to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, a network of heathland sites that provide habitat for important ground-nesting bird species, for which it was designated.

“Parts of Swinley Forest share common features with Thames Basin Heaths (TBH) and are home to TBH designated species and other species of conservation concern.

“For example, Nightjar, Woodlark and Woodcock are regularly recorded in the Forest.

“The filming schedule could impact particularly on nesting birds and young fledged birds, potentially reducing breeding success and populations.”

It is not clear which show the set would be used for, but papers attached to the plans indicate it could be ‘Bridgerton’ — the popular alternate period drama currently showing on Netflix made by US production company Shondaland.

Could Bridgerton be filmed in Bracknell Forest? Image via Netflix Media Centre

READ MORE: Could Bridgerton be filmed in Bracknell Forest? New plans indicate it could

In November 2020, the News revealed plans had been submitted to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to build a film set for the Netflix show, with plans clearly identifying buildings for the Bridgertons and the Featheringtons -- the two central families in the show.

Bridgerton could be set for its second series in Ascot. Images via YouTube

Planit Consulting, the planning experts who submitted the designs, say any potential harm to the green belt is outweighed by the “significant economic benefit” bringing a film-set to Bracknell Forest would have.

They also argued any changes to the site, which would be temporary, are therefore “completely reversible” and will have “no lasting impact.”

But CPRE suggested these reasons would not justify building on protected green belt land.

READ MORE: Opposition grows against plans for Bridgerton film set in Bracknell Forest

The letter continued: “We do not accept the very special circumstances put forward. The site is isolated, and unlikely to benefit local businesses some miles distant.”

CPRE also argued that the proposed access route from the A322 has not been adequately assessed for its safety, that the residential road by the site is not designed to carry heavy construction vehicles, and that the extra traffic would impact noise and air pollution.

A woodcockl. Image by RODNEY_CAMPBELL

The letter added: “Buttersteep Rise is a small, quiet road. Consideration does not seem to have been given to whether it is adequate for the traffic, or of adverse impact on residents.

“Multiple heavy-vehicle movements during the construction/removal phases and an overwhelming number of vehicles during filming is more than the road can cope with and would be severely disruptive to the tranquil community.”

READ MORE: 300 cars at film set could cause 'disruption' to wildlife and residents

This objection is one of 43 submitted to Bracknell Forest Council.

Winkfield Parish Council lodged its support for the plan alongside two others.

The plans are still being considered by BFC.

Full details of the proposal can be found by entering planning reference 20/01063/FUL at planapp.bracknell-forest.gov.uk