Welwyn Hatfield MP Andrew Lewin has revealed his "disappointment" after plans for 151 homes on the site of Welwyn Garden City's B&Q store were pushed through.

The plans to turn the current building into three tower blocks, each up to five storeys tall, were pushed through by the planning inspector yesterday (July 24), 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 2,500 signatures.

The decision now means that B&Q and fast food van Dom's Snacks are set to be evicted from the site.

Speaking on the decision, Mr Lewin told this newspaper: "I am disappointed by the decision and my thoughts are with everyone employed by B&Q and Dom’s Snack Bar, this was the outcome both of our local businesses feared.

"My first priority as our MP is to provide support to staff who will understandably be worried about their livelihoods. I have made contact with B&Q and Dom’s today and will be meeting their representatives as soon as possible.

"On reading the judgement of the planning inspector, it is evident the decision was reached because of the long-term failure of the Conservative Party in government to build housing that is affordable for local people in Welwyn Hatfield.

"The most striking section from the planning inspector says 'the delivery of affordable housing in the borough has been glaringly slow, with only 470 homes constructed between 2015 and 2023'.

"I am clear that we need to build more social and affordable housing and as I said in my maiden speech to the House of Commons this week, this is done most effectively with careful planning and by building the accompanying infrastructure to support our communities.

"I am pleased the council adopted a new local plan last year, which should be the foundation for appropriate development in our borough for the future."

Sean Heenan, Retail Director South for B&Q, said: "We are disappointed that our planning objection was overturned as we had hoped to continue serving the Welwyn Garden City community from our current location beyond October 2024. 

"Our fantastic team has been dedicated to helping the loyal Welwyn community improve their homes for several years. Despite this setback, it remains our ambition to maintain a presence within Welwyn Garden City and we are exploring all available options for relocation.

"In the meantime, we are in discussions with the landlord about a potential short-term lease extension while they prepare for development, and I would like to thank our colleagues for their ongoing hard work and commitment."