Updates to major developments in Bracknell, Binfield and Ascot – including the controversial Bracknell Beeches – are in this week’s roundup of planning decisions.

You can view each one by going to Bracknell Forest Council’s planning website and searching for the application number provided.

Archaeological work at Bracknell Beeches site (23/00074/COND)

Construction on a controversial new block of flats in Bracknell town centre is a step closer to beginning after officers approved a report on archaeological work at the site.

The Bracknell Beeches development, situated on Old Bracknell Lane, will see the construction of seven new buildings – ranging from four to 16 storeys and comprising 349 residential units.

The council’s planning committee approved the development in July last year, despite objections from some nearby residents. But they said work couldn’t begin until developers S2 showed they had completed an archaeological examination of the site first.

S2 submitted their report on May 16 this year, and council officers approved it on Thursday, July 27.

Drainage for new community and health centre in Binfield (23/00075/COND)

A new two-storey community centre and GP practice in Binfield is on its way, after the council approved further plans.

Bracknell Forest Council and Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group want to build the centre on the site of the former Blue Mountain Golf Club House on Wood Lane, next to King’s Academy. They say it will include space for a GP surgery and “a wide range of community activities.”

They secured planning permission in July 2021, but builders had to show detailed plans for drainage before construction could begin.

Developers submitted plans in May and June, and council planning officers approved them on Wednesday, July 26.

Bins for new houses at Winkfield Manor in Ascot (23/00105/COND)

Developers have moved a step closer to opening 18 new homes on the site of Winkfield Manor in Ascot.

Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee approved the new homes at a meeting in December 2021. But they said no part of the site could be occupied until developers provided plans showing where refuse would be installed on site.

Developers Rectory Homes submitted plans on July 10 this year showing where rubbish collection points and a bin storage unit would be located in the new estate, and council officers approved this on Wednesday, July 26.

The development is on the site of a disused manor house, which was set ablaze in an arson attack in 2020.