Developers Bloor Homes and JPP Land submitted a planning application in August last year for 72 houses for the site in Tilehurst Lane, but it was refused by the council’s planning committee after it concluded there were enough housing developments planned for in and around the village.

As a result, the developers appealed against the decision, which sparked independent planning inspector Lloyd Rodgers to open up a public inquiry into the decision last Tuesday.

A four-day inquiry at Easthampstead House in Bracknell town centre saw Mr Rodgers hear evidence from expert witnesses on both sides, while Binfield residents also had an opportunity to speak.

Residents and the council argued that there are already a huge number of houses planned for the area — more than 2,000 — through the council’s Site Allocations Local Plan (SALP) — which outlines where nearly 12,000 homes will be built across the borough by 2026.

The council added that the proposal adds nothing to the community and would only damage the rural character of the area and the village.

Resident David Phillips, of Tilehurst Lane, said at the inquiry: “I am hugely concerned about the proposed development at Tilehurst Lane. The proposal is totally contrary to the council’s SALP which has already been agreed, following a long and thorough process. The proposed site was already explicitly excluded as being inappropriate for development.” However the developers argued that the sites in and around Binfield earmarked for building would not have enough houses built on them within the next five years.

Cllr Chris Turrell, who attended the inquiry and is the council’s executive member for planning and transport, said: “The SALP process was rigorous. The plan makes clear where development can occur — and also where not. It also sets the settlement boundaries.

“Having just gone through this detailed process, which has been backed by a planning inspector, it is not acceptable for this developer to attempt to thwart it simply because they don’t like the inspector’s decision. This is unfair on local residents, who are entitled to expect certainty on where development occurs.” The inquiry was adjourned on Friday until 10am on Monday, December 8, which is expected to be the final day. No one from developers Bloor Homes or JPP Lane were available for comment at the time of going to press.