MORE details have emerged about a major new development which will include up to 1,000 homes.

Demolition work is well underway at the old Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) site and the first phase of housing is set to be built later this year.

When first submitted, plans to redevelop the site caused divide within the local community, with Crowthorne Village Action Group, the RSPB and Crowthorne Parish Council just a few of the 82 individuals or groups who wrote letters of objection.

Now, new documents submitted to Bracknell Forest Council show, if approved, the first phase will be made up of 207 homes; 24 four-bedroom houses, 120 three-bed homes, 51 houses and flats with two bedrooms and 12 one-bedroom flats.

Ten per cent of phase one homes would be affordable housing.

In its letter to Bracknell Forest Council, applicant Legal & General says: ‘As you are aware, in January 2015, the council granted outline planning permission for the comprehensive mixed use redevelopment of the former TRL site.

'The approved development comprises demolition of existing buildings (excluding the new TRL headquarters building), the erection of up to 1,000 dwellings, neighbourhood centre, retail unit, primary school and associated playing fields, community centre, care home an municipal depot, together with public open space, Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace, surface water attenuation areas, landscaping, formation of public highways, vehicular access and parking.'

The TRL development is one of a number proposed in recent years. But there have been concerns about the lack of affordable housing. 

Generally, councils stipulate that 30 per cent of new developments must be affordable housing.

Or, in some cases, developers will give cash to the council to buy or make affordable housing elsewhere.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “You see all these new developments going up, but who can afford to buy? My daughter is looking for a house at the moment; based on the average price for this area she needs about £20,000 deposit– almost her entire annual salary.

“I definitely think more needs to be done to address the shortage of affordable housing in this country. Rents are sky high, so unless you have a windfall or can live with family whilst you save, how are you supposed to do it?”

The average house price for a semi-detached in Bracknell is around £355,000 according to local agents Sears.

The latest stats show the price of new build is rising at nearly double the rate of pre-owned homes.

Oliver Hewitt, manager at Sears, said: “New builds do create a competitive market, although they ask for a premium price.”

Legal & General’s agent has been contacted for comment.