Celebrations as new affordable homes are delivered in Ruan Minor
Six families have moved in to rental properties thanks to a Cornish volunteer group
Last updated 14th Apr 2022
A Cornish village is celebrating new affordable rental-properties which have been built for residents from the local area.
Six families have moved into the cheaper properties in Ruan Minor on the Lizard, which have been said to be energy efficient and wildlife friendly and provided to those with 'strong local connections'.
It's part of a project with the Grade Ruan Community Land Trust volunteers delivered by CCLT and has seen six families housed and on Thursday (14th April) the community have come together to celebrate with other locals and lead by actor Jenny Agutter.
She said, “This is welcome good news for our local community. At a time when housing problems have worsened it’s encouraging to witness the success of a community finally delivering its own homes for locals project. Cornwall Community Land Trust and partners have overcome numerous obstacles to get these homes completed.
"Wonderful news for the six local families who can now enjoy their new, secure, affordable home. And good news for local hedgehogs, bats, birds and bees who have accommodation provided as well!”
Since their launch around 14 years ago, CCLT have provided nearly 270 homes for locals and plan to continue this in the future.
As a result of this particular scheme, six successful occupants have been helped into homes.
Andrew George, from CCLT told us: "Now they live in comfortable homes, secure homes, with affordable rent which are lower than the housing allowance level which are energy efficient as well so have very low energy bills too.
"We've got six very happy local families from the village who are now housed in affordable secure accommodation some of them were living in winter lets, caravans and all sorts of places".
Kerry-Ann Walsh previously worked as a housing officer, and has since been eligible for one of the new houses. She said:
“We had been struggling in a cramped, damp chalet miles away. But it’s worth the wait".
"It’s just fantastic. Amazing to have so much space. The children love it. It really feels like I’m back home when I can hear the Lizard foghorn! We feel lucky and very grateful".
Bryher Trewin, another new tenant added: “Settling in has been an absolute dream. Considering the current housing crisis in Cornwall, I never expected to be able to live in my own home in the village I grew up in and yet here I am, surrounded by my family and friends – I feel so blessed".
Amie Gribble, was born and brought up in the village and has also since been one of the six families who've got an affordable home in the Lizard Peninsula, after previously living with her daughter in one room with relatives.
Amie said, “We’re so lucky. It’s a lovely and spacious home. Having the security of a home that can’t be taken from us is such a relief.
"It’s so good to be able to stay in the village I was born and brought up.”
Paul Collins, Chair of GRCLT said: “This has been the product of determined voluntary teamwork. It’s as well that the locals who came together at the start of the project were unaware just how much time and effort this project would take! But in truth, after seeing the outcome and the pleasure this has brought to those who now have a wonderful and secure affordable home, it’s been worth every minute.
"These are true community-led homes for locals forever. And we’re very grateful to Cornwall Community Land Trust for helping us every step of the way".
Cornwall Council’s Housing & Planning Portfolio holder, Cllr Olly Monk said: “The Council is always looking for opportunities to bring forward additional affordable homes and work with partners to deliver a range of permanent homes in Cornwall.
"I urge Community Land Trusts (CLTs) to bid for loans of up to £1.5m from the Council’s Revolving Loan Fund and follow this great example of how the Council can support local communities to take a leading role in addressing the need for affordable housing in their area".