An empty council block which has attracted anti-social behaviour is set to be bulldozed and replaced with 14 flats.
Described in one report as “an important part of the Affordable Housing Programme”, the Ludwick Green redevelopment promises new apartments at social rent in Welwyn Garden City.
At a meeting on Monday, February 6, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s cabinet voted to give executive member for housing Councillor Fiona Thomson the power to select a contractor which can press ahead with the build.
A different council committee has already granted planning permission for the three-storey building after a meeting in June 2022.
The project will replace the existing two-storey building comprising eight flats, which were “decanted” three years ago.
The empty flats which remain on site have since attracted anti-social behaviour and have been stripped of materials.
Cllr Thomson said: “The council is delivering an exciting and ambitious programme of social housebuilding.
“An upcoming project at Ludwick Green will see the redevelopment of an existing disused residential block to deliver 14 new homes for social rent.
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“The Ludwick Green development is an important part of our Affordable Housing Programme.
“The site has been in disrepair, and was identified for redevelopment as the previous building was no longer fit for purpose.
“The scheme that is proposed will deliver vital social rented accommodation for people on our housing register and will transform a site which is currently in very poor condition.”
Cllr Thomson added the council is keen to progress with the development “at the earliest opportunity” due to the site’s condition, once a contractor is found.
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Government data shows the number of council-owned homes at social rent in England has fallen by 3.4 per cent in the five years to March 2022.
In contrast, the total number of council-owned homes at social rent in Welwyn Hatfield has – despite movement across the five-year period – fallen by one home.
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