A NEW affordable housing scheme at Wheddon Cross in Exmoor has been officially opened by children from Cutcombe First School.

The pupils planted a tree to mark the completion of the £1.2 million scheme, which will see 10 new properties being rented out by Magna West Somerset Housing Association as part of a rural regeneration project that includes a new livestock market, business units, 13 open market properties and two self-build houses.

Head teacher Marcus Capel said: “We have watched the development grow day by day so it is lovely that we are part of it today. We have four children at the school who are living or are about to live in the development.”

Chris Winter, of Summerfield Homes, said: “It has been long and protracted at times but we have all stuck with it and delivered something of benefit to the village and the wider community.”

The development is a partnership between Exmoor National Park, Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions, West Somerset Council, Somerset County Council, Cutcombe Parish Council, Magna and Summerfield Developments (South West) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Magna has contributed £467,758 to the affordable housing scheme, which has also been supported by £750,000 investment from the HCA.