DRAB and dreary flats are to be flattened to make way for new homes in a £4m scheme. And residents are all for their old places being knocked down and replaced. North Hertfordshire Homes has unveiled plans for the new development of high quality affordabl

DRAB and dreary flats are to be flattened to make way for new homes in a £4m scheme.

And residents are all for their old places being knocked down and replaced.

North Hertfordshire Homes has unveiled plans for the new development of high quality affordable housing.

It proposes 41 homes - a mix of flats, houses and a bungalow - at Milestone Road in Hitchin.

They would be built on the site of the existing 36 pre-fab flats in three blocks.

It is hoped to submit a planning application to North Hertfordshire District Council next month. If consent is obtained by the summer, work on site could begin in the autumn and take between 12 and 18 months.

The new homes will be made available to existing residents and to local people in housing need.

NHH chief executive Kevin Thompson said "The existing flats at 41-111 Milestone Road are cold and noisy pre-fabs, and there is little that North Hertfordshire Homes could do to improve them.

"We were delighted that existing residents unanimously approved our suggestion that we knock them down and replace them.

"We are now consulting residents again to ensure that the new homes meet their needs and provide safe, attractive and comfortable places to live."

NHH is consulting all residents in the area about the redevelopment scheme, and plans of the proposed new homes are available for viewing on its website at www.nhh.org.uk