Feeling at home in St Ives

It was a case of ‘happy families’ all round as residents proudly moved into 20 new Coastline Housing properties at Vounder Close in St Ives.

The new development, close to St Ives Junior School, has provided 14 homes at an affordable rent (around 80% of private rental levels) and 6 homes for shared ownership (part-buy, part-rent).

It was made possible thanks to funding of £246,200 from Homes England.

Sara Hodges, Development Manager at Coastline Housing, said: “The fact that St Ives is so hugely attractive to the tourist industry means that many local people have been forced to search for a home elsewhere, feeling that their own town offers nothing but luxury flats or apartments for holiday makers. We know these properties will make a real difference to local people in need of a home of their own in this town.”

The development was declared officially open by local councillors Andrew Mitchell and Richard Robinson, who had the honour of cutting the ribbon. The name of the Close was selected by the Town Council, with ‘vounder’ being Cornish for ‘lane’.

Prior to the housing development taking place, the land was previously owned by Bolitho Estates.

Sara adds: “These houses are in a beautiful spot on the rural fringe with some stunning sea views and we know the new residents were extremely proud to take possession of the keys to them. We hope they will be very happy here for many years to come.”