Appeal to build 151 homes at Welwyn Garden City B&Q accepted

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 2,500 signatures.

The plans would see the current building in Swallowfields turned into three tower blocks, each up to five storeys tall and containing 151 dwellings, with B&Q and fast food van Dom's Snacks evicted from the site.

Welwyn Garden City's B&Q store. (Image: Google Maps)

The planning inquiry began in December last year and concluded in January.

Now, after lengthy delays, planning inspector Paul Thompson has decided to allow the application to go ahead.

"The proposed development would conflict with the development plan but material considerations indicate that a decision should be made other than in accordance with it," he said.

"For the reasons given above the appeal, should be allowed."

Former chair of the Welwyn Garden City Society, Clive Wilson, has been at the forefront of the battle against the plans, and admitted he was "very disappointed" to see them pushed through.

"The society is very disappointed in the planning inspector's appeal decision," he said.

Campaigners have long been battling against the plans. (Image: John Fogarty)

"This will potentially mean that the garden city will lose another retailer and employer in B&Q and Dom's Snacks, to be replaced by even more blocks of flats.  It will also potentially mean the loss of the last garden centre in the garden city.

"As with many appeals, previous actions from the past appear to have influenced the public inquiry outcome. There is a lot to take in and a lot of lessons to be learned, particularly by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. These will be followed up in due course.

"It is also noted that the delay in announcing this decision was not helpful to any party, and particularly the retailers.

"On behalf of the society, we thank everyone who helped and for the huge community response."

The plans for the 151 homes would see one block with 29 one-bed flats, 28 two-bed flats and two three-bed flats, while the other two blocks would comprise of 20 one-bed flats, 18 two-bed flats and eight three-bed flats.

The current building would be demolished and the large Tarmac car park would be removed, but the planning application would still have 151 unallocated car parking spaces and 16 additional spaces provided for visitors.

Cllr Rose Grewal, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's executive member for planning said: "Like many in our community, we are extremely disappointed with the Inspector's decision. We are reaching out to B&Q to offer our support during this concerning time."