A developer has launched an appeal after plans for 151 homes on the site of Welwyn Garden City's B&Q store were rejected.

The proposal submitted by Thrive Homes was refused by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council back in 2021, after residents objected to the plans and even launched a petition that received almost 1,000 signatures.

The plans would see the current building in Swallowfields turned into three tower blocks, each up to five storeys tall and containing 151 dwellings.

One block would have 29 one-bed flats, 28 two-bed flats and two three-bed flats, while the other two blocks would comprise of 20 one-bed flats, 18 two-bed flats and eight three-bed flats.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The B&Q store in Swallowfields would be demolished as part of the plans.The B&Q store in Swallowfields would be demolished as part of the plans. (Image: Google Maps)

READ MORE: Proposal to turn B&Q into 151 flats

The current building would be demolished and the large Tarmac car park would be removed, but the planning application still would still have 151 unallocated car parking spaces and 16 additional spaces provided for visitors.

B&Q did not support the original application back in 2021, with a statement reading: "We have been made aware of a planning application that has been submitted for the Swallowfields site. B&Q remains committed to a store in the Welwyn Garden City area and intends to object to the planning application.

"The lease on the store runs until October 2024 and the store will remain open as usual until at least then. As soon as we have any further details our colleagues will be the first to know."

B&Q have been contacted for a new comment in the wake of the appeal.