A hugely controversial plan to build 53 homes in Binfield was rejected last night.

The proposal on land at Tilehurst Lane received more than 300 objections and residents packed out Bracknell Forest Council’s (BFC) meeting chamber to oppose the plans.

Applicant JPP Options’ plan was recommended for approval by BFC’s planning team but every member except Cllr Michael Brossard voted against it.

The land has been subject to various planning applications in the last six years and the developer has existing planning permission for 28 homes.

David Phillips, a leading campaigner against the plans, said: “It is a major victory. This was a long ongoing process. It is something that has been going on since 2012.

“It shows that the councillors we elect listen to the residents and that is very refreshing.

“It was also very pleasing that the residents turned out in force to demonstrate their outrage at the officer’s recommendation. It was clearly an erroneous decision.

"There was a huge groundswell of opinion against the development. It is a major vindication of the planning system we have.”

Residents had raised concerns over overdevelopment, a lack of protection for the countryside and increased traffic flow.

Applicant JPP Options was granted outline planning permission for the building of 28 homes at the site at an appeal, after the council rejected the development in 2015.

One of the key reasons for the inspectorate’s decision to approve the plans was that the council had not demonstrated a five year supply of housing land.

However, this is no longer the case, so the necessity to build homes in the borough has been cancelled out.

Councillor John Harrison said: “28 is a lot less than 53. It is a very rural site. The character in the area would be significantly changed and urbanised by the addition of this many houses and the density. There will be road safety issues.

“It is not just about numbers. It is also about the significant increase in people and movement. It would encourage other developers to go for a lower site and then go for more later.”

Councillor Dale Birch added: “I am absolutely sure that should this go to appeal the applicant has no chance of sustaining more than the 28.”

Building work at the site has not yet started and it is not clear if the developer wishes to proceed with the existing approved plans after last night’s result.