PLANS to convert a vacant £18m building into homes have been refused.

Bracknell Forest Council turned down plans by Boyer Planning Ltd to erect 68 dwellings on the site of Beaufort Park, following the demolition of the existing building.

The plans involved the demolition of an almost-brand-new office block, which was built and never used by the Met Office, and the erection of the dwellings on the site.

Planning officers had recommended the plans for approval. 

In her summary report, Sarah Fryer, case officer for Bracknell Forest Council: “This site is located within the countryside and does not abut the current settlement boundary.

“However, the site lies with close proximity to facilities including local recreational grounds, schools and bus routes. It is also a brownfield site.

“The harm of the development is not considered to outweigh the benefit the dwellings would make towards the council’s 5 Year housing land supply. The proposal is therefore considered acceptable.”

No detail was submitted regarding the size or scale of individual homes or whether these would be houses or flats.

The plans did include 31 parking space.

The decision was made at the meeting of the planning committee on Thursday April 19.

It is not known yet whether or not Boyer Planning will review their application and appeal, which they have the right to do.

Boyer Planning Ltd had twice been contacted for comment by The News, but had not responded by the time the paper went to print. 

The site remains unoccupied, meaning other developers can submit their own plans for what to do with the building.