BUILDINGS are 'beginning to emerge' in the construction of a learning village and 400 homes in Binfield.

After years of battle over development at Blue Mountain Golf Course in Wood Road, plans to build the all-through school and new houses were finally given the green light last May.

Plans put forward by owners Luff Development to build the village, green space and two new access points from Temple Way onto the site were given full planning permission by Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee, despite protests from groups including Binfield Village Protection Society in the past and a furore over the removal of a section 52 covenant protecting the land from development in 2014.

Campaigners have in the past claimed the development is overbearing, will increase traffic and see the green gap between Binfield and Bracknell lost.

The new school will be one building catering for nursery, primary and secondary school pupils as well as provision for Special Educational Needs.

It will be run by King’s Group Academies, which was appointed as education provider in June and will serve 1,851 pupils.

Bracknell Forest Council hopes the through school will help it meet a growing demand for school places, as there is a major shortage, particularly in the northern parts of the borough.

Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for children, young people and learning, said: "We are pleased with the progress being made on the construction of Binfield Learning Village which will enable us to provide almost 2,000 school places. Much of the ground work is now complete and some of the buildings are beginning to emerge. Two cranes are currently on site for these works.

"We are looking forward to seeing the site take shape as we head towards welcoming the first wave of pupils through the doors in September 2018."