Two potential schemes for Priory Cinema site revealed

SHELTERED housing for the elderly or homes for families could be built on the site of the old Royston Priory Cinema.

Consultants from North Hertfordshire Homes, which owns the land at the corner of Priory Lane and Newmarket Road, presented two conceptual plans to members of Royston Town Council's planning committee at their meeting on Monday.

One option is for a new state-of-the-art, extra-care sheltered housing scheme providing around 36 flats for older people. Another is for a mixed scheme of houses and flats providing up to 30 homes for families.

Cllr Lynn Berry, chairman of the planning committee, said: "The two plans they outlined are completely different, but both are very good and were deemed to be acceptable by the committee.

"I know there is a demand for housing for the elderly, and there are a lot of families in the area that need affordable housing as well, so both would be worthy schemes," she said.

North Herts Homes chief executive Kevin Thompson said: "In our discussions with North Hertfordshire District Council and the county council it became clear that there is a desperate need for both extra care housing and family housing. With this in mind we drew up two concepts to talk to Royston Town Council about. Our next step will be to select an option that best meets the needs of the town and then draw up more detailed plans.

"These concepts are far from the final plans. We intend giving the people of Royston a real say in the designs for the site. Whatever the final design looks like, I can promise that we will build a high quality development of affordable homes that will not only meet the needs of local people but that will enhance the town centre."

Public consultation is set to be carried out over the summer, and North Herts Homes hope to make a planning application in the autumn.

Anyone who wishes to view the initial concept plans can do so on North Hertfordshire Homes' website, www.nhh.org.uk