Planning officers have turned down a seven-storey office and apartment block on the outskirts of Hamilton. They ruled the height excessive and its appearance at odds with the 'Bermuda Image', but another reason against the building was its windows would have disorientated migratory birds.

In a report to the Assistant Director of Planning Anna Eatherley, assistant enforcement officer Claudette Baisden said: "Bermuda is a well known destination to our visiting migratory birds, however a seven-storey building will be a danger to these species.

"The lighting from the offices will blind and redirect the birds from their intended course."

Yesterday, conservationist Dr. David Wingate said: "I'm glad that they're thinking about these kinds of issues. The height is not a threat but the reflection of glass can be a hazard with birds flying into it. We get reports every year of birds hitting windows in Hamilton or getting trapped in them during their migration."

Plans for the building, at 5 Crow Lane, were submitted by Villa Development Co. Ltd. The application included two underground parking levels, three storeys of office space, and three upper floors of apartments and penthouses. Ms Baisden however, said in her report: "A seven-storey building at the above stated location does not amalgamate with the surrounding architectural design."

The Development Applications Board rejected the application because it conflicted with the Bermuda Plan 1992. The board report said the mixed-use building "does not exhibit a massing, scale and appearance of development compatible with the Bermuda Image when viewed from public roads".

Members said it exceeded the number of permitted storeys (three above the level of a public road) and that they were "not satisfied" with "the overall appearance and visual impact of the development". It was also ruled that "the infrastructure at this site can not accommodate a seven-storey building". Planning officers said there were only two rights of way for the 6,619 sq. ft development, proposed for the Cavendish Road side of Crow Lane.