Welwyn Garden City's B&Q set to stay open until late 2025

The plans to turn the current building in Swallowfields into three tower blocks, each up to five storeys tall, was pushed through by the planning inspector back in July 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.

What the Swallowfields development could look like. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

The decision means that B&Q and fast food van Dom's Snacks are set to be evicted from the site, but it appears the DIY retailer will be open longer than expected.

B&Q's lease on the building was due to expire this month (October 2024), but a spokesperson for the business has now said they expect to be open until the end of next year, and maybe even beyond.

"We are confident that we will be trading until at least the end of 2025, if not longer," a spokesperson told the Welwyn Hatfield Times. 

"B&Q remains committed to having a store in the area."