Revised plans submitted for transformation of Howlands House site

The Howlands House site is being redeveloped as part of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Affordable Housing Programme, with the Council securing £243K from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund towards the cost of the project.  The original old and dilapidated buildings were demolished last October and are due to be replaced by more modern, welcoming temporary accommodation properties for local families and individual households, a staff office, state-of-the-art support facilities, a children’s play area, parking and associated landscaping. 

The Council, working in partnership with architects Rock Townsend, consulted with local residents on initial plans for the site, with residents’ feedback leading to a redesign of the scheme including a reduced number of proposed homes, lower building heights and a main building that is situated more centrally to reduce the impact on neighbours.

Howlands House will provide much needed temporary accommodation for local families and individuals who are homeless, including 44 brand new homes, with the redevelopment of the site helping to reduce expenditure on the use of hotels and B&Bs for emergency temporary accommodation.

Councillor Gemma Moore, Executive Member for Housing, 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.”