DESIGNS for Royston’s derelict cinema site have been revealed with a planning application detailing the 24 home development already submitted.

The former Priory Cinema and Green Plunge swimming pool site has sat empty since 2008 with several schemes falling flat over the years.

North Hertfordshire Homes (NHH) has sought permission to build homes on the plot on the junction of Newmarket Road and Priory Lane, with six social rent properties potentially available along with affordable homes.

Kevin Thompson, chief executive of NHH, said: “Finding ways to fund new homes on the former cinema site has been an uphill struggle since government grants were withdrawn.

“We’ve worked very hard to find a solution that was viable from a business perspective – one which enables us to keep on providing affordable housing for local people.

“We believe that by working closely with Royston Town Council we’ve achieved that. I know that it’s been very frustrating for Royston residents to see the site empty for so long and I hope our new development will be warmly welcomed.”

Royston Town Council has been fully involved and has given constructive input to the design.

Previous NHH plans for a sheltered accommodation scheme was abandoned due to the withdrawal of government funding.

Neighbours of the site have previously expressed concerns that if the site was not developed it could attract intruders and possibly affect house prices.

All homes meet the government’s Homes and Communities Agency Design and Quality Standards which set high specifications for distinctiveness, space, and neighbourhood context.