Two contentious planning applications were given the green light last night (Thursday).

Members of the planning control committee at North Herts District Council approved the application submitted by North Hertfordshire Homes for the demolition of 61 Radcliffe Road, Hitchin.

The building, which used to be a former hostel, will make way for one four-bedroom detached house, one three-bedroom detached house, one two-bedroom detached bungalow together with a parking area and a detached garage if plans are given the go-ahead.

The application was met with objections from residents and community groups.

In another application, plans to build 14 homes in a cul-de-sac were also approved despite opposition from residents.

The committee passed plans to build the homes on land off Sycamore Close, Hitchin, yesterday.

The application was to build eight detached houses and six semi-detached houses.

The developer was also granted permission to create a vehicular and pedestrian access from Sycamore Close.

The plans were met with opposition with residents raising concerns about extra cars in the cul-de-sac and the safety of children playing in the road.

For more reaction on both planning applications see next week’s Comet.