The CHAIRMAN of Dodcott-cum-Wilkesley Parish Council has welcomed development in Burleydam, on the outskirts of Whitchurch.

Ian Barton was joined by councillors from Cheshire East plus Hilary Roberts from builders Jigsaw, for the planting of a tree to celebrate the building of 17 new homes in the village.

Mr Barton, whose family sold the land for the housing in the 1980s, admitted it was a relief to finally see the new housing in Lodmore Lane.

“In 1982 my family sold the site to the old County Council so that it could be used for housing for local residents.

"After many false starts over the intervening years, we finally have a completed housing development.

"I would like to thank Jigsaw Group for working with the parish council to deliver an excellent affordable housing scheme which provides much-needed housing for residents of the parish and surrounding areas."

Jigsaw Group worked closely with the parish council, Cheshire East council, Homes England, Tyson Construction and BTP Architects to deliver the £1.7m development of the 17 new homes in September 2018.

The development has four one-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom apartments, six two-bedroom houses and thre three-bedroom houses all available for affordable rent.

The rural development offers a mix of properties all let to local people with a housing need, were built to a specific code and safety design and are of particular interest as their design is sympathetic to the surrounding area.

Hilary Roberts, Jigsaw Homes Group chief executive said, “The provision of affordable housing in rural areas remains one of the challenges facing our sector.

"We are really proud to have been able to deliver these much needed rural homes in Burleydam working closely with our partners.

"Particularly the parish council whose contribution has been invaluable right from the start.

"This is a great example of what positive partnerships can deliver.”

Manuel Atkinson, Director at BTP Architects, added: “It is a real thrill to walk around these new homes today and see how they will contribute to the future of the village.

"Our team took care throughout the project to ensure the design of these brick-built homes worked practically and aesthetically within the surroundings.

"We are pleased that the development will benefit local people.”