The developers of the mock-Georgian estate caused a rumpus last year when they decided not to build the last 14 houses, putting in plans for the extra blocks of executive apartments.

Neighbours from Donnington Square and Cherry Close mounted a vocal campaign, and were backed by West Berkshire Council, which threw the plans out.

However, David Wilson Homes appealed to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, whose inspectors ruled that on balance, the extra density was acceptable for a central area.

The council had previously granted permission for 100 homes on the site, even sacrificing a social housing quota so college finances would not be dinted.

The new development is largely complete, and is called College Mews. However, the council is now left trying to think up a new name for the "college roundabout".