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Search the Public Notice PortalA new block of temporary housing for homeless people could be built under plans to redevelop Howlands House.
The proposed scheme would see 44 new homes built at the Welwyn Garden City site, providing much-needed accommodation for families and individuals in need.
Submitted by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, the plans form part of the council's wider Affordable Housing Programme.
Gemma Moore, executive member for housing at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, said: "Tackling homelessness and the provision of affordable homes are priorities for this council.
"The redevelopment of the site at Howlands House is key to the delivery of our Affordable Housing Programme and I would like to thank council officers and the architects for their work on the development of plans for the scheme.
"I would also like to thank local residents for taking part in the consultation, their input has been invaluable to the progression of this important project."
The proposed development would deliver a three and four-storey building containing 44 temporary accommodation units, including three one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, and 22 three-bedroom homes.
The plans also include a staff office, laundry facilities, a children’s play area, cycle parking, vehicle parking and landscaping.
The plans read: "Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) are seeking to redevelop the Howlands House site to provide an increased number of modern temporary accommodation units for the ever increasing demand for families and individual households pending the availability of permanent housing."
The project has secured £243,000 from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund towards the cost of the project.
The site’s old and dilapidated buildings were demolished in October 2025.
The council withdrew an earlier proposal for 68 homes and 45 parking spaces in October 2024 after public consultation.
The council and Rock Townsend Architects revised the plans to address concerns raised during the previous planning process.
The plans read: "The proposed development comprises a purpose built residential building providing temporary accommodation for Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.
"It will deliver high quality, self-contained homes that meet an identified local need while creating a safe, inclusive and attractive environment for future residents."
If approved, the scheme will help meet rising demand for temporary housing and support the council’s long-term affordable housing plans.
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