THEY will be much-needed affordable homes – and now a project to turn a former paddock into the site of eight new family properties is nearing completion.

Sentinel Housing Association bought the privately-owned land at Longcroft Road, Kingsclere, in October last year after planning consent was granted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Now the properties – comprising a two-bedroom bungalow, two two-bedroom houses and five three-bedroom houses – are nearly finished and are due to be completed by the end of this month. Each of the eight new homes will be available for affordable rent.

Kingsclere Parish Council chairman Councillor Alan Denness said: “There’s a real shortage of homes in the village, meaning many young families are having to move out of the area to find somewhere to live.

“Tackling this problem by providing more affordable housing is a really important part of Kingsclere’s Neighbourhood Plan. These new homes will be vital in helping us to achieve our future goals.”

The homes have been built by PMC Construction, whose team started work on the development in November last year.

Mark Perry, Sentinel’s chief executive, thanked the parish council for its support.

He said: “We’re really grateful to Kingsclere Parish Council, who have been instrumental in helping us to develop these new affordable homes in the local area. It’s been great to see work on the development in progress.

“And we’re really pleased that we’ll be able to give eight families the opportunity of having a brand new home in time for Christmas.”