Planning permission has been given to a landmark £60 million development in a prime city centre site. St Albans City and District Council is developing the area near the Alban Arena, on the site of the city’s former police station and an NHS clinic. Three designs drawn up by architect firms were put before residents in a major public consultation last year. The most popular concept, which included a stunning commercial building adjacent to a housing block, was then chosen. Detailed plans for the design went before the council’s Planning Referrals Committee last month with permission for the work being granted.