PLANNING permission has been granted for eight homes to be built on the site of a former police station.

The new houses will be built on the site of the old Baldock police station on the town’s High Street by Letchworth-based developer, Rowan Homes - a subsidiary of North Hertfordshire Homes.

The properties will be built in Regency and Victorian style to blend with the existing buildings on the High Street.

Rowan Homes was set up in 2011 to fund affordable housing by building homes for sale. All profit is used to fund affordable housing in north Hertfordshire.

Cllr Michael Muir, who represents Baldock on North Herts District Council, said: “I am very disappointed that North Herts Homes is building these for sale and not for rent. Their idea is that the profit will go to build more homes for rent, but I would much rather see this as affordable housing to rent or for part-ownership, which is excellent as it gets people on the housing ladder. They will be in a prime location in the High Street and we have a large waiting list in the North Herts area.”

Nick Wright, managing director of Rowan Homes, said: “We think the new homes are in keeping with the character of the local area, and will make a positive impact on the street scene in this important location.”

The police station was closed in May 2011 in a bid to cut costs. Police officers and PCSOs now work from Baldock Community Centre on Simpson Drive.

Building work on the former police station site is expected to begin in March 2014 and last for nine months.