North Devon Homes held an opening ceremony for its recently completed properties at Lee Road in Lynton, Devon.

The event was attended by the MP for North Devon Peter Heaton- Jones, local councilors and people involved in the development of the project including staff from North Devon Homes.  A ribbon cutting ceremony marking the official opening was followed by an opportunity to view the new properties and meet the people now living in them.

The development offers two commercial units and four affordable rented flats for local people living in Lynton.  North Devon Homes has worked closely with local architects RGP, Devon’s affordable housing and planning teams, together with the contractor Pearce Construction to design and deliver a scheme that reflects the local architecture and landscape, offering tenants energy efficient, modern accommodation in a central location.

North Devon Homes Chief Executive Martyn Gimber said: “There is an acute need for affordable housing in Lynton however, it can be a particularly tough area to build in due to suitable sites being difficult to acquire and rarely becoming available.

“North Devon Homes is committed to delivering affordable housing where there is need and we are therefore absolutely delighted to complete this beautiful rural development, which offers high quality affordable housing units for local people living in Lynton. Schemes such as this demonstrate the value of affordable housing in keeping local communities sustainable and vibrant.

“This development has been challenging to deliver but made possible due to some fantastic partnership working between North Devon Homes, the Homes and Communities Agency, North Devon Council, Lynton and Lynmouth Council and the Exmoor National Park Authority.”

MP for North Devon Peter Heaton-Jones said “I was delighted to be asked by North Devon Homes to cut the ribbon on this fantastic new development.  Not only does it provide much-needed affordable housing in Lynton, but the quality of the accommodation is second-to-none.

“It really does change perceptions of what constitutes ‘social housing’.  I want to congratulate all the individuals and organisations who have worked together for more than ten years to make this project happen.  Most of all, I wish the new residents every happiness in their excellent new homes”.

Mayor of Lynton and Lynmouth Tony Meakin said “North Devon Homes has not only produced an excellent modern building conforming to the best in thermal efficiency but they have also succeeded in ensuring that the structure blends in sensitively with its surroundings.

“The accommodation is finished to a very high standard with generously proportioned rooms; homes to be proud of. The property far exceeds the expectations of Lynton & Lynmouth Council. We are grateful that North Devon Homes is active in looking after the best interests of our local population. Congratulations on a job incredibly well done.“

Mr and Mrs Elvin are the new tenants of one of the properties.  Mrs Elvin said “Moving into this lovely new flat has made so much difference to our lives. We needed to move and thought we would have to go outside of the area.

“This has meant that we can stay living near to our family and friends. We are so happy – we feel like the king and queen of England.”