THE doors have swung open on a new £1.9million housing development in Kirkby Lonsdale.

Jubilee Close is South Lakes Housing's first new build affordable housing scheme and it consists of 10 homes - two bungalows and eight family-sized properties.

The site, which has been funded by grants from South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) and the Homes Communities Agency (HCA), as well as South Lakes Housing's own finances.

It has been designed to provide a sustainable mix of properties which are available to low income households in an area where there is a shortage of housing of that type.

Jubilee Close proved so popular that 77 people applied for the 10 homes, which were opened by South Lakes MP Tim Farron.

Mr Farron said: "It’s fantastic to be able to open Jubilee Close and pay tribute to everyone who has brought this project to fruition. We live in an incredibly beautiful area, which has a huge impact on house prices – so anything we can do to build homes to give local families a roof over their head is wonderful."

South Lakes Housing Chief Executive Cath Purdy said: “We are acutely aware of the lack of affordable housing in this area so this development represents a small but significant step forward in addressing this need. This area of the country is an extremely attractive place to live which means house prices are way above the average for the region. High demand combined with a lack of affordable housing means we will certainly want to build on the success of Jubilee Close and develop more desirable, yet affordable, homes for local people.”

South Lakeland District Council leader Peter Thornton said: “This is a great milestone for South Lakes Housing, their first development as an independent housing association. They are to be congratulated on their drive and enterprise in providing a fantastic new scheme for the people of Kirkby Lonsdale.”

Tenants Maureen and Russ Taylor, both 78, are some of the first tenants to move into a bungalow in Jubilee Close. They have previously lived in a private rented property with oil heating, which was draughty and expensive to heat.

Delighted Maureen, a retired sales negotiator, said: “We were on the housing register for 18 months waiting for the right home and couldn’t believe it when this was offered. We absolutely love the layout, location and warmth of our new home.

“Russ can no longer manage stairs so this specially adapted bungalow is absolutely perfect for us.”