Plans for the demolition of a sheltered housing scheme in Stevenage and the construction of 24 houses in its place have been given the green light.

Under Stevenage Borough Council's plans, Walpole Court in Blenheim Way, which consists of 32 flats and six bungalows, will be knocked down to make way for 10 four-bedroom houses and 14 three-bedroom houses.

This forms phase two of the Kenilworth Close development. Phase one, which began in 2019, has seen the construction of 31 houses, 57 flats, 88 independent living homes, seven shops and a new indoor community space.

People living in Walpole Court will be moved to the newly-built independent living homes within phase one of the development.

The council's Planning and Development Committee granted planning permission for phase two last week.

The 24 houses built will be put up for sale at market rates, with the funds used to cover the costs of the wider Kenilworth Close development.

The council's planning officer said phase two "would make a positive contribution towards meeting the council’s housing targets".

He also said the proposed development "would have a high-quality finish and has been designed to assimilate itself with the wider area, with the careful use of materials and finishes to give the buildings architectural interest".