KINGSCLERE Parish Council and Sentinel Housing Association marked the official handover of a new housing development in the village.

The Kingsclere Road-based housing association, along with development partner PMC, built eight homes at a site in Longcroft Road which was formerly used as a pony paddock, with all homes let by the end of last year.

Three two-bedroom properties and five three-bedroom properties were built.

The formal handover means Kingsclere Parish Council can complete its plans to provide allotments on the site.

Mike Shepherd, Sentinel’s development director, said: “These homes were enormously popular and were all let to local people.”

Councillor John Sawyer, chairman of Kingsclere Parish Council, added: “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 so these new homes have been vital in helping us to achieve our future goals.”