The third phase of plans for a Hitchin development by housing association, settle - which include 48 new affordable homes - is open for consultation.

Plans form part of settle’s continued investment in John Barker Place in Westmill estate.

The proposed properties - on the site of Freemans Close - will be a mixture of social rent and shared ownership homes which are expected to be completed in 2025.

Fiona Coulson, executive director of development at settle said: “We’re delighted to have come this far on the development of John Barker Place.

"We want to make sure all residents have the opportunity to view the proposed plans and share their views on all stages of the development so that we can continue to build these new homes with as much consideration to all residents’ feedback.”

The first new homes of the redevelopment at John Barker Place - Kingfisher House - were completed in July 2022. The five-storey building is home to 37 residents from the nearby retirement living flats at Westmill Lawns.

The Comet: Kingfisher House was delivered earlier this yearKingfisher House was delivered earlier this year (Image: settle)

The building also includes the local convenience shop and a takeaway unit on the ground floor. Work started on Phase 2 of the development in April this year and will include 46 new homes - 12 for social rent, 12 for retirement living and 22 for shared ownership - and is due to be completed by autumn 2023.

The planning application for Phase 3 is open now for consultation until the November 19.

Application details can be viewed on North Herts Council's website - www.north-herts.gov.uk/planning with case reference number 22/02628/FP.

More information on the John Barker Place development can be found on the settle’s website www.settlegroup.org.uk/jbp