The planned redevelopment of The Oval in Stevenage can go ahead after proposals were green lit by councillors.

More than 300 homes will be built by Stevenage Borough Council as part of the development, which includes 250 homes at the Oval and 91 independent living homes at nearby Hobbs Court.

The council's planning committee approved the plans at a meeting on Wednesday (July 17) after planning officers had recommended approval.

The plans, submitted earlier this year, also include a New Market Square, 1,200 square metres of mixed commercial space, 2,650 square metres of retail space and a multi-faith space.

A range of smaller units would be available for existing tenants such a laundrette, pharmacy and café.

The aim is to start phase one of the development - the independent living scheme - in early 2025, with the full redevelopment being "substantially complete" by 2030.

Councillors approved a full application for the Hobbs Court changes, and an outline application for the 250-home development. A full planning application for the latter will follow at a later date.

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Permission was granted earlier this year for the 41 existing homes at Hobbs Court to be demolished, though works were paused in May after bats were found.

The new homes included in Hobbs Court would classed as "affordable", according to the government definition of the term, while none of the other 250 homes would initially be classed as such.

Stevenage's Local Plan for 2011-2031 aimed to provide 7,600 homes across the period, with the Oval identified as a site for around 275 properties.

A council spokesperson said that "negotiations are ongoing" with current retail tenants in the Oval about whether they will stay in the redeveloped space, and they hope to be able to provide more information about how many will stay in the "next six to eight months".