The second phase of a multimillion-pound housing development at Polmennor Drive, St Ives, was celebrated when the first brick was laid on site on 23 November.

Representatives from Penwith Housing Association (PHA), part of Devon & Cornwall Housing (DCH, along with St Ives Town Mayor Ron Tully, Cllr Liz Penhaligon and contractors Kier Living were on site to mark the start of work on the development.

Due for completion in summer 2013, the £4.7m scheme at Carbis Bay will see 44 modern timber framed homes created. Thirty two will be Affordable Rent homes and 12 will be available for shared ownership, enabling local people who cannot afford to buy a home of their own outright to take a step on the property ladder.

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Andy Moore, Chief Executive of PHA, said: "Coming together on site of our second phase development at Polmennor Drive was very much a day of celebration for everyone who has played a part in the scheme so far. Work has started on site and I am looking forward to seeing this new scheme complete and ready for residents to move in next summer."

The total cost for the second phase of development is anticipated to be around £4.7m with £768,608 investment being provided by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Devon & Cornwall Housing has worked closely with Cornwall Council to design and deliver a scheme which will meet identified local needs and will improve the quality of life for residents and the wider community in an area which is dominated by second homes.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing Mark Kaczmarek said: "In difficult times, ensuring that there are enough homes at an affordable price is essential if we are to help local families who are struggling on a low income. Yet finding sites in areas of high housing need like St Ives is increasingly difficult. That is why housing associations, like Devon & Cornwall Housing, are so important and the Council will continue to support and fund their work."

(CD)