PLANS to build a social housing development in a village will be considered later this month.

Eleven homes could be built in Pirton if councillors approve proposals by Howard Cottage Housing Association, which wants to build the properties opposite the village primary school, along with a new access road and car parking.

It has the backing of Pirton Parish Council, which approached the association, but out of 39 responses received from neighbours and other consultees, 27 were against the plans.

Howard Cottage, however, says the majority of people it has spoken to seem to be in favour of the development.

A report supporting its application to North Herts District Council read: “At a consultation event, the proposal [was presented] to the parish council and members of the community. From the small portion of the community represented, there seemed to generally be support for the scheme.

“Residents main concerns were with maintaining the affordability of the properties and ensuring they were made available for local people.”

The proposed 500sqm development, which would be made up of different sized properties, would fall within a designated rural area which has restrictions.

But the land can be built on if development is appropriate.

Howard Cottage said it had looked elsewhere in the village but could not find anywhere suitable.

“We have undertaken a thorough review of all sites within Pirton but unfortunately been unsuccessful within the settlement boundary largely due to access issues and sites requiring large land assembly packages that would not be viable for a housing association to undertake.

“Although the site does sit outside of the settlement boundary it is considered to be well related to the village and the services provided within it.”