A proposal to build 28 affordable flats in St Albans will be decided upon by councillors tonight.

The application to build a four-storey block at Linley Court on Valley Road faces opposition from neighbours worried about parking and privacy.

The Cannell family from Beech Road wrote to the council: “Our house, although it is on a busy road next to a busy parade of shops, affords us a quiet enclosed garden which is our refuge.”

But, they say: “If the development were to proceed, it would have a very significant and negative impact on the whole family.

“In particular, the garden, patio area, kitchen, and master bedroom would all be overlooked and our privacy would be compromised.”

Jane Boff, from Valley Road, wrote: “28 spaces for 28 apartments seems to be well short of the parking spaces needed, and there is also no visitor parking.

“The two blocks of flats opposite the proposed development in Valley Road already find parking a problem.”

Mark Lennard from Beech Road referred to the 1994 St Albans local plan, which requires more than 30m between dwellings if there are living rooms on the second storey of one.

Council officers, though, say there will be no adverse effect on neighbours, and the parking provision is adequate, and have recommended the committee grant planning permission to applicant Aldwyck housing group.

All 28 of the flats will be affordable housing, and will go to people on the housing register.

A Herts Advertiser investigation last month revealed that last year the council did not meet its yearly target for such housing in the district last year.

Aldwyck said in a statement: “Aldwyck were selected by St Albans council as the preferred bidder for the redevelopment of Linley Court in early 2016, following a formal selection process.

“Given the former accommodation on the site was an under-utilised sheltered housing scheme, the local authority were keen to meet current affordable housing needs in any redevelopment and therefore Aldwyck proposed a 100 per cent affordable tenure.

“Aldwyck are committed to building high quality homes for communities with a real need for them. We have worked closely with St Albans council to ensure that our proposed development at Linley Court meets the requirements of the local authority in terms of both planning and housing, whilst improving the visual impact of the local area.

“Our plans will provide a contemporary design comprising 28 apartments for those in housing need from the local community.”