A councillor believes the decision to allow plans for 151 homes on the site of Welwyn Garden City's B&Q store is "not the right one for the town".

The plans to turn the current building in Swallowfields into three tower blocks, each up to five storeys tall and containing 151 dwellings, was pushed through by the planning inspector following a planning appeal inquiry.

The proposal, submitted by Thrive Homes, was refused by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council back in 2021, after residents objected to the plans and even launched a petition that received almost 1,000 signatures.

The 151 homes would be built in three tower blocks.The 151 homes would be built in three tower blocks. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

The decision now means that B&Q and fast food van Dom's Snacks are set evicted from the site, much to the frustration of Peartree ward Liberal Democrat councillor Russ Platt, who campaigned against the proposal.

READ MORE: Appeal to build 151 homes at Welwyn Garden City B&Q successful

"As you can imagine I am extremely disappointed by this news," he told the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

"There was a cohesive effort to defend the original refusal, with the council, Welwyn Garden City Society, myself and B&Q, all working to save the store and its important place in the community.

Councillor Russ Platt.Councillor Russ Platt. (Image: Russ Platt)

"I have read the inspector's decision notice, and whilst I can understand why he came to his conclusion, it doesn’t mean it is the right one for Welwyn Garden City, and it certainly doesn’t mean I agree with it.

"My main concern now is for those who work for B&Q and the uncertainty they now face regarding employment, along with the team from Dom’s Snacks, who operate in the car park.

"We all know we need housing and we do need affordable housing, but this application which displaces a popular, well-used store in an employment area was not one I could support, so I am disappointed in today’s decision."