Cutting the ribbon at Rame

A new neighbourhood of affordable homes for local people has been officially opened in Rame, Cornwall, thanks to the combined efforts of Coastline Housing, Cornwall Community Land Trust and Cornwall Council.

Of the 16 new homes, 11 have been offered for affordable rent and five were offered for shared ownership (part-buy, part-rent). Happy residents have taken the keys to the rented properties already, and all five shared ownership homes have also been reserved.

Wendron Parish Council, and divisional ward member Loveday Jenkin were also closely involved in the development from the start and showed strong support for bringing this new affordable housing to the village.

The site, close to the corner shop in Rame, was owned by Cornwall Community Land Trust who approached Coastline Housing to bring the scheme to fruition. The Trust purchased the site and then granted Coastline a long lease in order that the housing charity could start developing. The project was boosted thanks to funding of more than £350,000 from Cornwall Council’s Community Housing Fund.

Andrew George, Director of Cornwall Community Land Trust, said: “This is very exciting. Especially for the 16 local families whose lives have been changed for the better by this project. Good quality, affordable accommodation which provides the kind of security local families deserve.

“This is a great example of communities doing it for themselves. It just shows what can be done. Cornwall CLT are doing it elsewhere. 236 homes in 10 years and growing.

“Full credit to Wendron Parish Council who have spearheaded this project. A big thank you to the land owners who have been patient and supportive throughout. And enormous gratitude to Coastline who came in at just the right time to ensure we could deliver what the local community wanted. A successful partnership.”

Mr George came together with the Chairman of Coastline Housing Derek Law MBE and new resident Mary Stevens to officially cut the ribbon and declare the scheme open.

Mr Law said: “At the time this scheme was brought to our attention, 53 households were registered on the waiting list for homes in this area so there was clearly a real need for more affordable housing here. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with local partners to bring this site to life and I hope the new residents will be happy in their homes for many years to come.”