A DISUSED former council building in Christchurch has been given a new lease of life.

A total of 30 new and affordable homes have been built on brownfield land in Glider Close, Somerford.

Sovereign Housing Association bought the land from Christchurch Borough Council in November 2016.

Ten of the new homes are available for an affordable rent, while nine two bedroom and 11 three bedroom houses are available through shared ownership.

The first residents have already moved into their new homes.

All of the new homes will be completed this month.

Sarah Newman, project manager at Sovereign, said: “We’re really pleased to have worked with colleagues at Christchurch Borough Council, as well as Homes England who provided funding, to deliver these much needed new homes for the area.

Cllr Sally Derham Wilkes, Chair of the Christchurch Borough Council Community Committee said: “We are delighted with the scheme, not only does it provide much needed affordable homes but it has also improved the environment for the existing residents in Grange Road.”

Planning for the new homes was obtained in October 2016 following a public consultation.