Plans to regenerate a Stevenage neighbourhood centre which includes the first council-built homes in 25 years were unanimously approved last night.

Every member of Stevenage Borough Council’s planning committee has given the green light for the redevelopment of Archer Road in the town.

The approved plans include new retail premises for the pharmacy and convenience store, new homes built for social rent and a new community facility at Hampson Park.

It follows the demolition of the King Pin pub at the site in January.

Councillor John Gardner, responsible for environment and regeneration at the council, said: “Regenerating the Archer Road area is a key priority for us and now that our planning and development committee have voted to approve this application, work can begin on building the first council built homes in 25 years.”

Work will be starting on site in January next year, with a first phase of building – involving the shops and first floor flats – due to be completed by November 2015. The building of a new community centre at Hampson Park will also start at the same time, and is due to be finished by the summer of 2015.

The second phase is expected to be completed by August 2016 before a final phase is earmarked to be finished by the autumn of 2016.

• For a full report, see next week’s Comet.