A public inquiry is set to take place after plans were refused for 24 new homes in Welwyn, and called in to the planning inspector.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council rejected plans for the new dwellings in The Avenue in May, on the grounds that the land's designation as "Metropolitan Green Belt would constitute inappropriate development".

Concerns were also raised about poor access to the site, a lack of drainage plans, and failure to satisfy the Local Plan.

45 per cent of the homes in the development would be "affordable homes". 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: 45 per cent of the development would be affordable homes.45 per cent of the development would be affordable homes. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

On calling in the decision, the applicant stated: "There is a need for housing in the borough.

"Indeed, the council believes that the percentage of affordable housing delivered over the [Local Plan] plan period, as a proportion of all housing delivered will be 20 per cent.

"Given that in the first five years of the plan period only 13 per cent of total delivery has been affordable, and this estimate looks to be a tall order.

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"It is too easy to forget that behind these figures are real local households who are suffering due to not having a suitable dwelling to live in. And the impact of this is wider still: it places strain on health services, education services and the ability of people to find work."

The inquiry, during which a planning inspector will make a decision on whether to overturn the council's refusal, will take place at The Council Chamber at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council on November 28 from 10am.

The meeting will be live streamed and can be viewed on the day at welhat.public-i.tv/core/portal/home.

If you wish to participate in the inquiry, email planningappeals@welhat.gov.uk.