Campaigners have described the planning inspector's decision to allow a development of 151 homes on the site of Welwyn Garden City's B&Q store as "shocking".

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 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.

Campaign group Welwyn Garden City Society were far from happy with the decision, saying: "We are very disappointed in the planning inspector's appeal decision.

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

"The immediate focus is to mitigate the negative local impacts of this shocking decision. Our sympathies are with those who are directly impacted.

"It is noted that the delay in the announcement was not helpful to any party, and particularly the retail employers.

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