Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Two of the rare trio of birds whose presence threatens a Crowthorne development are still classed as highly endangered, according to government figures.

It has also been revealed that there are a number of bat roosts within 100 metres of the site in Lower Broadmoor Road where developers want to build 28 flats and houses.

Campaigners in the village are currently fighting the plan on the grounds of the endangered species at Wildmoor Heath - a site of special scientific interest and a special protection area. A petition has joined complaints already logged on the Bracknell Forest Borough Council planning website, and English Nature has also since objected.

The plans face being thrown out because they are within 400 yards of the Crowthorne heath which is home to ground nesting Dartford warblers, woodlarks and nightjars.

Statistics released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) revealed how both the woodlark and the nightjar are still classed as red list species, meaning they are the ones most in danger should development affect their habitat.

Objector John Baster said the figures should mean the objections are given a "higher priority".

He added: "The land around these protection areas where you have lots of houses, and cats like mine, will affect the wildlife and we must move to protect them."

Nov 3 2005 ~ ic Berkshire