The second housing phase of a major redevelopment project has been given the go-ahead

Watford Riverwell, known as Waterside, was approved on Wednesday by Watford Council's development management committee.

The Riverwell scheme —formerly known as the health campus — is project to develop land to the south of Watford Hospital.

It is a partnership between Watford Council and Keir Property and is intended to generate money and land for improvements at the hospital.

The Waterside scheme comprises 408 new homes, including 118 'affordable' family homes near the River Colne.

Waterside includes a specialist retirement village of a further 253 homes, which was given planning permission in April.

Pip Prongué, managing director (south) for Kier Property, said: “We are delighted that the Waterside scheme has been approved by the council. This marks another major milestone for the Riverwell project and shows significant progress as we continue with our plans for much needed homes, new jobs and regeneration in Watford."

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor said: "I’m pleased that this has been given the green light. In Watford, local families need more good quality homes that are affordable if we are going to be a town for everyone.

"This development also provides the hospital with the land it needs to expand and improve, with plans for a new multistorey carpark expected to be brought forward this year.”

A marketing suite for the first phase of housing opened in Thomas Sawyer Way on July 21.

Work on the Waterside scheme is expected to start in mid-2019 and it has a target completion date of 2021.