EIGHTEEN hectares of land developers almost turned into more than 1,000 homes will be taken over by the council.

The Parks, off Nicholson Park road in Harmans Water, has been handed over by developers Taylor Wimpey.

This means Bracknell Forest Council now has control of the area’s paths, woodlands and grassland.

And the authority is hoping the sports pitches can be brought into use soon following the opening of The Parks Community Centre in 2015.

Bracknell News:

Harmans Water councillors Isabel Mattick, Ash Merry and Chris Turrell have met with council officers to discuss what’s next for the site.

READ MORE: Here's how much you will pay in council tax next year

"It is good news that this area of trees, green space and sports fields, promised with the planning permission for The Parks, is opening up more for local residents to enjoy", said Cllr Chris Turrell.

The Parks was originally a country estate called Ramslade before it was requisitioned by the War Office for the housing of the RAF.

READ MORE: We asked you for terrible pictures of parking in Bracknell -- you didn't let us down

It was the RAF staff college until 2001 and in 2005 the government transferred ownership of the site to developers Taylor Wimpey.

Bracknell News:

One year later, plans for 730 homes were approved at the site.

READ MORE: Payout and apology for resident 'distressed' by council Blue Badge faults

Developers tried to increase the number of homes to more than 1,000 but this plan was strongly opposed by more than 650 local residents.

Bracknell News:

Bracknell Forest Council refused the proposal in May 2008 before national planning inspectors rebuffed the developer’s appeal in August 2009.