“Much needed” social housing could be built but it will come at the cost of a community centre.

Watford Borough Council has joined forces with Watford Community Housing to deliver 17 homes with parking on the site of the Centrepoint Community Centre in Raphael Drive, off Radlett Road.

The homes will be social housing for families most in need, or those currently living in temporary homes.

Despite the loss of the community centre and shop, the council has confirmed it is seeking to include new community facilities within the development and has begun consulting with people living in Raphael Drive and neighbouring roads.

New facilities could include a shop and a place to hold meetings but the council is giving those living nearby an opportunity to tell them what they would like to see.

Neighbours will also have a say in the design of the new homes, if they so wish to get involved.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said, “Watford needs more social housing and I’m proud that with this scheme, we can do just that. This is a scheme that will help Watford families who are currently having to live in temporary accommodation.

“Unlike many parts of the country, we are seeing a reduction in families in temporary accommodation because of the focus we are giving to solving the housing problem. Making sure that we have homes for families is very difficult but we must do all we can to give residents the security of a permanent home.”

Tina Barnard, chief executive of Watford Community Housing, said “We are committed to delivering social housing to give people permanent homes that they can afford. Working in partnership with Watford Borough Council allows us to deliver more new homes and this is one of a number of sites we are currently looking at together, both on the council’s land and our own”

Consultation on the proposals will take place over the autumn and the feedback will be considered before the plans progress.