CHILDREN'S health care needs will be brought together under one roof following the approval of a new health centre in Watford.

Approval for the development of the children's health centre on the site of the old Peace Memorial Hospital in Peace Prospect was granted at a meeting of Watford Council's development control committee on Tuesday, April 11.

Dr Peter Reader chairman of Watford and Three Rivers Primary Care Group welcomed the council's approval of the plans.

He added: 'I am pleased to see the progress of this development, which brings together so many childrens services under one roof. This will be much more convenient for parents and their children.'

Plans had been given outline approval in December last year, but still required the council's approval of the final design, which had been chosen following a competition held by South West Herts Community Health Care Trust last year.

A modern three storey glass design was finally adopted to house health and social care services at this site.

Chairman of the development control committee Rashid Choudhrey said: 'We welcome this new development which will play a part in improving the quality of health care services available to the local community.

'The health centre is of quality design which in time will become a local landmark in its own right but one which will not negatively impact on the elegance of the existing Peace Hospice building.'