OFFICE buildings in Bracknell town centre could be demolished to make way for 201 apartments and new shops if a developer's plans are approved. 

Amber House and Northgate House in Market Street have been earmarked for redevelopment by Thames Valley Housing Association who want to replace the aged buildings with new flats as well as space for shops, restaurants and leisure facilities on the ground floor. 

The 201 apartments proposed would be a mix of one and two-bedroom social rented apartments and affordable housing, described as 'intermediate housing'. 

Inside, the proposed seven-storey development would cover a floor space of 17, 871 sq ft.

The developer has also proposed increasing the current 170 car parking spaces to 194, with 20 disabled bays and 323 spaces for bicycles.  

Two consultations were held in July for people to view the plans with 38 turning up. 

One comment on the application from Bracknell resident Carl Pearce proposed applying a covenant requiring residents to keep the balconies of the new flats tidy to avoid them looking "down market".

He said: "The design always show modern, gleaming, smart buildings with balconies, but within a few months of residents moving in, some start using those balconies like a cupboard under the stairs. They end up looking very down market.

"Is it possible to add a caveat that balconies must be kept neat and tidy and used for the purpose they were designed and the development management must adhere to it? There are numerous apartment developments planned for the town centre and this would ensure they enhance the redeveloped town centre rather than detract from it."

Thames Valley Housing Association refused to comment on the application at present.