THE?completion of 16 new houses at Harpers Meadow in Lewannick has come of a great joy to a couple who have been on the housing waiting list for 10 years.

Michael and Hildegard Cook were thrilled to be finally allocated a property.

She said: "We are absolutely delighted to be getting this bungalow after waiting so long. Mr Cook also has big plans for the bungalow's garden and is looking forward to winning Coastline's garden competition next year!"

This new development includes 10 properties for rent and six that are being sold as shared ownership (part rent part buy). All tenants of the rented properties received the keys to their new homes on Friday, September 24.

The shared ownership properties on the site include two and three bedroom houses. Initial shares are available of between 25 per cent and 75 per cent, with a few still available. Anyone interested in purchasing a property via this scheme should contact Coastline directly.

The properties, which were constructed by First Step Homes, have all been built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3. Features include heating by an air source heat pump, which is linked to under floor heating, and all the properties are very well insulated to ensure minimum heat loss. There are also a number of features to encourage water conservation, including water butts and low flow taps.

Coastline ran a competition in the village to come up with a name for the development. Harpers Meadow was suggested by a local lady who lives in the village. Eddie Harper was a previous owner of the site and adjacent land.