HOPES of turning under-used garage sites in a St Albans village into 22 affordable homes are a step closer after four planning applications were lodged with the district council.

The schemes for the redevelopment of St Albans district council-owned garage sites in London Colney were discussed at a recent cabinet meeting.

The four planning applications relate to sites at Cotlandswick and Telford Road, and include provision for replacing the existing community hut at Cotlandswick with an improved community centre, and to build 15 garages and 60 car parking spaces.

A further scheme has been submitted to create 15 parking spaces on unused council land for the affordable homes.

The council received planning permission earlier this year for three affordable houses in London Colney.

Portfolio holder for housing, Cllr Brian Ellis, said: “The council’s strategy of redeveloping under-utilised garage sites into affordable housing is now in full flow.

“We recently transferred garage sites in White Hedge Drive in St Albans and Housden Close and Beech Crescent in Wheathampstead to Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association. These sites are being redeveloped to provide 10 affordable homes.

“The sites at London Colney will be the next wave of garage sites to be redeveloped for affordable housing.”

Cabinet members were also told that a planning application for a site at Offas Way in Wheathampstead is due to be submitted in January 2013. This will provide for up to six affordable homes.