Plans for 43 homes to be built in Hitchin have been approved by North Herts Council's Planning Control Committee.

Developer Cala Homes has been given the green light to build the homes on land south of Oughtonhead Lane, with access from Lower Innings.

One hundred objections were received by the council from neighbours to the site, with concerns including increased traffic, strain on existing infrastructure, and loss of wildlife habitats.

However, the planning officer advising the council's Planning Control Committee said: "The development of the site would provide 43 new dwellings, 17 of which would be affordable homes.

The proposal would therefore make a positive contribution to the delivery of homes within the district for the rest of the Local Plan period.

"No objections are raised to the design and layout of the proposed development, or impact on neighbouring residential amenity. Furthermore, the development would provide an acceptable standard of living for future occupiers of the site."

As part of the development, permission has also been granted for associated internal roads, parking, amenity space and open space, including a play area.