The redevelopment of a former pub has moved a step closer after a building contractor was appointed.

St Albans City & District Council has aspirations to create a new £5.1 million social-rent housing development on the Cottonmill estate.

The land is in Abbotts Avenue and includes the derelict King Offa pub and Norman Close; a number of temporary accommodation properties that had reached the end of their life and are now empty.

The plans are for 14 new social-rent properties for people on the council’s housing register, who are living in overcrowded accommodation or are waiting for a permanent home.

There will be two four-bedroom detached homes, 11 three-bed homes and one two-bed bungalow.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: CGI of proposed scheme. Credit: St Albans City & District CouncilCGI of proposed scheme. Credit: St Albans City & District Council

The proposal is set to be considered by the council's planning committee next month, and if approved, work is scheduled to begin in November - and last for a year.

At a housing and inclusion committee meeting on July 28, members gave approval to proceed with the development and appoint a contractor.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Another CGI of the proposed scheme. Credit: St Albans City & District CouncilAnother CGI of the proposed scheme. Credit: St Albans City & District Council

Councillor Jacqui Taylor, the committee’s chairman, said: "I am thrilled that this important project has reached this advanced stage and is proceeding at pace.

“One of our priorities as a council is to create more much-needed three-bedroom social-rent housing in the district. I also wanted to see an end to the poor-quality temporary housing on this site.

"A budget for the project was agreed by full council earlier this year and we will be applying for additional funding from Homes England."