An ambitious new build development by Stevenage Borough Council has obtained planning permission and will deliver 236 homes to the Bragbury End area, as well as a raft of new local facilities and retail units.

The development was unanimously approved by the Planning Committee and will see a complete revamp of Kenilworth Close and construction will commence later this year.

It will include a mix of houses that are for sale, affordable rent and social rent and will help to meet the needs of a diverse local community by bringing a varied mix of property types to the area.

Cllr Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “We are so delighted to have the green light on this project which is an important pillar of our ongoing and exciting regeneration plans for Stevenage.

“It will bring quality of life enhancements in the form of new green space, innovations such as roof terrace gardens and retail and leisure facilities designed to enhance community connections in the area.

“It has been a long process, throughout which we have been striving to actively involve and consult with the local community on their needs, and we thank them for their patience, help and encouragement in getting us to this stage.”

The development includes a new state of the art independent living scheme consisting of 88 one and two bedroom apartments. It will also boast new facilities including a roof terrace garden, a café that will be open to the wider public as well as the residents of the. The retail offer to the local area will also be improved with four new store units at the centre of the development facing out onto a central green space.