Centre expansion blocked by council

The youth faculty at Oakwood Centre, an outdoor pursuit centre in Bracknell, currently caters for 50 young people a week but had hoped to gain permission to build an octagonal building next door that could provide services for 500 teenagers every week.

Tony Pudner, who runs the Oakwood Centre, said he was "astounded" at the planning committee's decision and planned to reapply.

Bracknell Forest Council's planning committee ruled that the proposed centre would be an "inappropriate development within the countryside and strategic gap location".

The committee also said it would require the charity to pay £64,000 through a Section 106 agreement to compensate the local community for extra traffic in the surrounding area.

Pudner said he had the support of key figures in the council's youth service and was confident of securing planning permission when he reapplies.

Those attending the centre would have been able to take part in activities at the Oakwood Centre. The building would have been staffed by existing full-time youth workers and volunteers.