CORNWALL Councillor for Launceston South (Lib Dem), Jade Farrington, has welcomed the news of Westward Housing Group’s latest affordable housing scheme, to provide 15 new homes for local people in Broomhill, Launceston.

Cllr Farrington recently visited the new homes, which began developments in March 2015 and have now been completed.

Led by Cornwall Homechoice, the scheme will provide a range of modern new homes available for an affordable renting price.

The new homes include ten two-bed houses, and five three-bed houses.

Cllr Farrington said: “It was brilliant to see such high quality affordable homes being made available for the people of Launceston. Unlike in many new builds, the rooms are a good size, and it’s easy to see why they were all let on the first viewing.

“The new homes are now occupied by local families who already lived or worked in Launceston or the surrounding villages. Some found it difficult to afford full market rents, and others have escaped poor quality housing, overcrowding or damp problems.

“There is a huge need for more affordable housing in Launceston, so I look forward to Westward Housing’s next project, so even more local people can benefit from a safe and warm home.”

Westward development manager, Chris Duggan, added: “Our aim was to try and strike the right balance between providing as many high quality affordable houses as possible, whilst also being conscious of the significance that Broomhill has in the area.

“In addition to the high quality of the design, the houses will be much more thermally efficient compared to the existing building, which will also improve the affordability for our residents.”

Westcountry Housing had owned the previous building for over 20 years, and it was previously managed by an agency that provided a supported housing service to the residents. The agency left four years ago, and the building had been derelict since their departure.

The properties were designed by Trewin Design Architects, built by main contractor, Galliford Try, and part-funded by Cornwall Council.

The homes have enabled Cornwall Council and Westward to address the desperate regional housing need, by providing top quality, affordable accommodation.