Hundreds of objectors have had their say, but the Crest Nicholson development has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

Gill Purchase, spokeswoman of the Arborfield Resident’s Action Group, said: “It’s totally unbelievable there is now a recommendation to approve these unpopular and badly thought out proposals with little or no improvements being made to the existing infrastructure and major issues still outstanding about flooding.” A previous planning application for the site was withdrawn in 2012 after concerns were raised about infrastructure.

The masterplan is based on a 'garden city’ concept, with open green spaces to complement school sports facilities enjoyed by the community.

The new secondary school, with 1,500 students, is expected to be officially opened in September next year.

Five education providers, the Bohunt Education Trust, GLF Schools, King’s Group, Maiden Erlegh School in Earley and Waingels College in Woodley, have all expressed an interested in running the new school.

The site, that once accommodated two barracks, will become a transport hub, with transport interchange, sports pitches, indoor swimming pool, multi-use games area, skate park, paths, cycleways and a bridleway.

Existing Ministry of Defence gymnasiums will be developed for common sports use and there will be a new roundabout on the A327 junction with Reading Road.

Planners promise that 35 per cent of the homes will be 'affordable’.

The 'garden city concept’ means bringing together the various aspects of town and country living.

But the revamped site will retain two monuments and a Grade I listed building.

The Garrison was established in 1904 and in recent years has been home to the Royal, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

l For live updates on today’s planning meeting, follow our reporter’s tweets @WokinghamNews