Letchworth’s Jackmans estate is to gain up to 44 new homes on the site of the former Lannock Primary School after planning permission was granted tonight.

North Hertfordshire District Council’s planning control committee, chaired by Councillor David Barnard, approved Herts County Council’s application to build on the site off Whiteway – which mainly comprises the playing fields of the former school, which closed in 2009.

District council planning officer Tom Donovan had recommended approval, writing in his report that the proposed development would be in accordance with North Hertfordshire’s emerging Local Plan for 2011-2031 and the National Policy Framework.

Two objections had been submitted against the application by neighbours, who cited what they saw as the overdevelopment of the site, an impact on privacy and parking and pollution issues.

The proposal for 21 two-bedroom homes, 14 three-bedroom dwellings and nine four-bedroom homes includes seven two-bed houses, four three-bed houses, one four-bed house for rent, as well as two two-bed houses, three three-bed houses and one four-bed house for intermediate affordable housing or shared ownership.

As a condition of the planning permission, the county council will provide section 106 funds of £29,453 to support additional play equipment for the Jarden play area – as well as £87,488 for the Garden City Academy, £88,676 for Fearnhill School and £7,950 for the town library.

The Lannock school buildings have been demolished since 2009, and have been replaced with a residential care home and day care centre.