A NEW housing estate on the edge of Knutsford will help to give local people the chance to live near to their families, according to the groups behind the scheme.

The development on green belt land in Marthall Lane in Ollerton was given permission in November 2011, and now comprises 10 two-bedroom properties and four three bedrooms.

The homes are the first rural properties to be completed in Cheshire East as part of the Government’s 2011-2015 Affordable Homes Programme, and have been built by Cheshire Peaks and Plains Housing Trust.

Clr Alan Street, chairman of Ollerton with Marthall Parish Council, said the style of the houses has helped to alleviate some previous concerns about the development.

“We welcome the provision of new family starter homes for the community, which we first proposed to Macclesfield Borough Council following the adoption of our Parish Plan in 2007,” he said.

“Guardian readers will doubtlessly remember that the parish council and the majority of residents preferred an alternative site, but even some of those who objected most strongly to the Marthall Lane proposal already admit that the design of the new houses is much more attractive than feared.

“The parish council and local community organisations are already taking steps to welcome our new neighbours, and sincerely hope they will integrate fully with our community.

“The Oaklands Road recreation area nearby, which is being developed by an enthusiastic group of local residents under the guidance of Cheshire East Council, funded by grants from the developers of the houses and by WREN, should be one strong contribution to this.”

The properties have been allocated based on local connection – in line with Peaks and Plains’ guidelines – and residents will be moving into their new homes at Marthall Lane over the next fortnight.

Tim Pinder, chief executive of Peaks and Plains said: “We look forward to welcoming new residents to enjoy the thriving local community in Ollerton.

“It is important we continue to ensure affordable homes are available to people in rural areas to counter the risk of rising prices forcing people to move away.”

The Ollerton development marks a significant milestone in Peaks and Plains’ plans to build 200 new homes in the region by 2015, and the association was given permission to build eight homes in Plumley last year.

Work on that site in Trouthall Lane is due to begin next month, and will take a year to build.