FIFTEEN brand new affordable homes in Bradninch were officially ‘handed over’ to their very first tenants in time for Easter.

Social housing and care provider The Guinness Partnership developed the homes, which are built on the Duchy of Cornwall estate, in partnership with local agent Hawkcrest Land Ltd. and contractor C G Fry & Son Ltd.

Residents have been busy moving into the 11 two-bedroom, three three-bedroom and one four-bedroom homes, which are all now let.

The new homes were made available for people with a local connection and developed to help meet a need for affordable housing for rent in the area.

With a focus on sustainability, all the homes are heated with special heat pumps, which absorb heat from the outside air to create a far more efficient heating and hot water system than conventional boilers and radiators.

The exteriors are detailed with a mixture of brick, render and slate-tiled facades to give the development an ‘old-world’ look.

Stephen Lodge is The Guinness Partnership’s Development Director for the project. He said: “We are delighted to be delivering these brand new affordable homes to people who need them.

“We have a proud track record of working with our partners to deliver high quality homes, and we’re extremely grateful to the Homes and Communities Agency, Mid Devon District Council, the Duchy of Cornwall and Hawkcrest and C.G. Fry & Son for their commitment and support.”

Lucy Alford and her partner Callum moved into their new home shortly before Easter. Lucy said: “We absolutely love our new home. It’s my partner’s and my first home together, so it means the world to us.

"We’ve got a little one on the way in June too, so the fact it’s got two bedrooms is a real bonus, and the help and support we’ve been given has been great.”

Rebecca and Chris Luke have also recently moved in. Rebecca added: “We’re so happy here – our old house was damp and draughty and this is the first time we’ve had a proper enclosed garden that’s safe for our daughter, Ava, to play in.

"She really loves it, she’s besotted with her new bedroom and our neighbours are lovely too – we’re incredibly grateful.”

Kevin Murch, Construction Director at C G Fry & Son, said: “C G Fry & Son are delighted to have been part of this project with The Guinness Partnership which will provide much-needed affordable homes to the local community.”

Tom Stratton, Deputy Land Steward for the Duchy of Cornwall, added: "The Duchy of Cornwall readily supports the provision of high-quality, sustainable and affordable housing.

"These new properties in Bradninch have all been let to local families through The Guinness Partnership and we're proud to have assisted in the project."