A redevelopment of an empty social housing block was given the green light on Monday.

Wavell House on Cell Barnes Lane will be demolished and 12 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom social rented flats will be built in its place, with 25 parking spaces.

Members of St Albans council’s planning referrals committee expressed concern the new building’s roof would be flat not pitched.

Cllr Geoffrey Turner said: “I was surprised to find a pitched roof building replaced with a flat roof, which seems to be going back in time.”

Cllr Richard Curthoys said: “I’m sure the council will pick up the bill when the roof starts leaking.”

But committee chair Cllr Salih Gaygusuz said the similarly designed Park Side View in Marshalswick was a “prime example of good modern building”.

Officers revealed Kitchener Close would be resurfaced after construction was complete.