A new eco-friendly development in Bridport has welcomed its first residents.

Dorset-based charitable housing association BCHA has delivered the 53 new homes in North Allington, on the north-western edge of the west Dorset town.

Called Hazelmead, the development is the UK's largest co-housing project to date and comprises of affordable 'eco-homes' to buy or rent.

Cohousing neighbourhoods are set up and run by their members, and the scheme is made up of seven two, three-and four-bed family houses, as well as two two-storey apartment blocks of one-bedroom flats.

BCHA teamed up with Dorset Council to deliver the homes, which also received funding from Homes England.

Residents will be able to manage the neighbourhood, including the extensive landscaping and food-growing areas.

Rachel Townson and her five-year-old son Devereux were one of the first to move in to her new home on May 22. 

“I am ecstatic and over the moon to be part of this loving and warm community," she said.

"We are very hopeful for the future. Being a single parent I am really looking forward to my son having roots and growing up in a supportive environment.

"It is an opportunity for us to thrive and grow in this beautiful, green, eco-friendly environment."

Rebecca Ayling and her four-year-old daughter Nola, who also moved with her new neighbours in May, has struggled with the housing crisis.

She added: “I am overwhelmed with positive emotions. Knowing I no longer have the threat of no-fault evictions through private renting and I finally have the security to stay here.

"My child has an amazing place to play and my new home has a lovely viewpoint of Allington Hill. I feel very lucky."

Lorraine Mealings, BCHA chief executive, said: “It is great to see this community-led project come to fruition and start providing affordable housing for local families in need, especially during this cost-of-living and housing crisis.

"It will be a fantastic place to live and BCHA feel privileged to be part of such a pioneering eco-homes cohousing project, the very first of this scale in the UK.”

Hazelmead is built on former farmland, creating a habitat for birds, reptiles and mammals. 

Common areas have been planted with native trees and sparrow and swift boxes are attached to terraced houses.

All houses have community growing beds at the rear and these areas will be used to grow food for shared meals in the common house.

Two full-size allotment plots off-site will give residents the chance to garden together.

The development is carbon-free and solar-powered and uses air-source heat pumps, with car-free streets.

Jack Rushforth, BCHA development manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer these amazing shared ownership properties at Hazelmead in this exciting development, combining sustainable building practices and materials, alongside the ethos of cohousing to create a community-driven neighbourhood."

There is still availability of three one-bedroom flats to buy via shared ownership. Visit www.bcha.org.uk for more information.