The former Panshanger aerodrome site will be developed into 650 homes after planning approval was granted by Welwyn Hatfield Council.

The outline application by the Government’s housing accelerator Homes England and Mariposa Investments also includes a primary school, new community centre, road access from Herns Lane, car parking, infrastructure and landscaping works.

Thirty per cent (or 195) of the new proposed new homes will be affordable, of which 100 will be available for social rent.

Located to the north-east of Welwyn Garden City, the land has been a reserve site for the future growth of the town since the early 1990s.

It is the borough’s only strategic, non-Green Belt site capable of delivering a significant number of new homes.

• READ MORE: Welwyn Hatfield Council decision looms for proposed 650-home development at Panshanger aerodrome

Homes England’s South East general manager Paul Kitson said: “This is a great example of how Homes England is focusing its expertise on preparing land for the development of new homes.

“This site has been long recognised for its potential to deliver homes for the area so we are delighted that Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has approved the application and look forward to finding a developer to progress the site.”

The application addresses key issues raised during the public consultations around the provision of infrastructure.

It delivers a £15 million package of new roads, parking and support for public transport as well as community benefits including provision of a primary school, community hall and shop.

The development site is 28.2 hectares of land north of the neighbourhood of Panshanger.

The land is mostly owned by Mariposa Investments but includes a small parcel to the west owned by Homes England.

Planning approval was granted by the council’s development management committee on Thursday night.