RESIDENTS could move into new affordable houses in Lyme Regis next year.

Last month, Lyme Regis Community Land Trust (CLT) was granted permission to construct 15 homes for rent at Timber Hill following a three-year battle.

Work is set to start in September, with the CLT hoping to complete the development by the end of 2017. Litton Cheney builders CG Fry has been awarded the construction contact for the homes by housing association partner, Yarlington Housing Group.

Chairman of Lyme Regis CLT, Denis Yell. said: "Yarlington will be finalising the allocations process in the New Year.

"Since this is a CLT scheme, all these homes can and will be prioritised for allocation to Lyme Regis people who are on the housing register.

"Prospective tenants should therefore ensure they are registered. Yarlington will be providing guidance on how and when to register and apply in the New Year, and the CLT will be available to help with applications."

In March , West Dorset District Council awarded £147,920 to Yarlington to help develop the scheme. The money came from a S106 agreement that with developers to support affordable housing. Affordable housing is any home that is not private market housing and can include social rented housing, prioritised by need, and affordable rent housing.

The grant for the site in Lyme Regis has come from contributions held by the district council from the Bridport Police Station development.

Lyme Regis Town Council has been appointed as custodian trustee for the scheme. The authority came forward to the CLT in order to try and secure the long term interests of the community in the development.

Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Owen Lovell, said: "The council is very pleased the CLT's hard work has come to fruition and thank them for pursuing this project.

"It's not been an easy process, and anyone who thinks otherwise should have accompanied them through the process. Congratulations are in order.

"The council is happy to be the custodian trustee for this project. It is only right and proper there is a body like the town council in Lyme Regis which is ultimately responsible for these properties going forward."

For more information, visit lrclt.btck.co.uk