Plans to build 223 new homes on a college campus moved a step closer this week, after council officers recommended the proposal for approval.

Scottish developers, Cala Ventures Ltd, are hoping to secure permission to build 132 flats and 91 houses on the West Herts College, Cassio Campus, in Langley Way.

The college, which is currently rebuilding its Hempstead Road site, will vacate the Cassio Campus in the summer of 2010, when building on the site has been earmarked to commence.

The 11 acre site has already been sold to developers – along with the former Leggatts campus, in north Watford – for redevelopment.

The proposed 223-home development will include detached, semi-detached and terrace houses as well as one, two and three bedroom flats.

Of the 132 flats, 67 – representing 30 per cent of the entire development – will be made available as affordable housing.

Planners also hope to get permission to build a community centre along with a doctor's surgery and a small shop.

In recommending the proposal to the Watford Borough Council's development control committee, Paul Baxter, the case officer, wrote in his report: “The proposal addresses the various constraints and opportunities presented by the site with a layout that is clear and legible and which forms a series of smaller, distinct character areas within the site.”

The plan will be discussed at a meeting of the council's planning committee next Thursday night, when councillors will vote whether to grant permission or not.