By Richard Whitehouse - LDR.

A new affordable housing development was officially launched providing low-cost housing for local people. Call The Midwife star and local resident Jenny Agutter was at the launch of Plain-an-Gwarry in Ruan Minor yesterday (14th).

The new homes have been delivered thanks to the Grade Ruan Community Land Trust working with Cornwall Community Land Trust (CCLT).

Funding for the new homes has been provided through a variety of sources including Section 106 money which is provided by developers building homes elsewhere. The homes will remain affordable in perpetuity and are only available to people with a local connection.

Amie Gribble, who was born and brought up in the village, went to local schools and works as a care support worker in the NHS and had been living with her daughter in one room with relatives.

But now she has her own home and has a recent new arrival – Hallie Olivia Gribble – who was born just a few weeks ago. Referencing her role in the BBC drama Call The Midwife Jenny Agutter said at the launch that she was sorry to have not been around for the birth, but admitted that she would only be able to hold Amie's hand.

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."

One of the other new residents, Kerry-Ann Walsh, is also delighted to be back in the village where she grew up. Kerry-Ann understands local housing problems as she is herself a former housing officer.

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."

New tenant Bryher Trewin, who was also born and brought up in the village, said: "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!"

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."

The new development not only provides affordable homes for local people but also has wildlife enhancements including hedgehog highway, bee poles, bat boxes, bird boxes and sparrow terrace.

Jenny Agutter 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!"

Matt Ward, Chair of CCLT said: "We're proud of the Ruan Minor project. The local CLT has overcome many hurdles to get this project to planning and we're pleased to deliver it. This takes CCLT to nearly 270 homes for locals since we were established 14 years ago. It shows that communities can do it for themselves.

"We're keen to work with our partners to do more of this. We have another eight similar all affordable housing projects around Cornwall and on the Isles of Scilly – that's another 103 much-needed homes – at the planning permission stage; including four due to be considered by planners in the coming weeks. Communities can do it for themselves, and our charity is helping them do it."