A new housing development providing 48 homes has been officially opened in Budleigh.

The development, known as Horizon, is on former allotment land in Greenway Lane, with the allotments having been relocated next door.

The project is a joint venture between Clinton Devon Estates company Pencleave 1 and Cavanna Homes.

The developers say Horizon was designed around the allotment scheme, to provide improved community space alongside a sustainable mix of homes to meet the local housing need.

Nineteen of the homes at Horizon will be available for rent or shared ownership through Exeter-based housing association Cornerstone.

Lord Clinton opened the scheme alongside representatives from Pencleave 1 and Cavanna, and with guests from Budleigh Salterton Town Council, agents Harrison Lavers and Potburys and the Exeter studio of LHC Architecture.

Leigh Rix of Clinton Devon Estates said: “This development is an important step on the way to building a more sustainable community in the town. We are committed to helping provide homes designed and built to the highest standards to enable young families in East Devon to stay in their home towns, which in turn allows communities to thrive in a sustainable way.”

LHC’s Dan Hutchinson said: “From the beginning we knew the scheme had to be sustainable and attractive and include provision for existing and future allotment-holders.

“After consulting with local people we were able to produce designs for a range of high quality new homes with a much enhanced and extended allotment scheme at the heart which now provides 87 plots for local gardeners, rather than the original 56.”