Three council houses have been completed by Dover District Council in Elvington.

They are the first new council houses to be built in the Dover district for 20 years.

It is also part of a number of schemes seeing the council taking a direct role in increasing the level of affordable housing for residents.

The homes have been built on land at Adelaide Road in Elvington and families are now settling into their new homes.

Cllr Sue Chandler, DDC cabinet member for housing, said: “We are very pleased that families have been able to move into these wonderful new homes in time for Christmas, and we are delighted to be able to take this proactive role in developing a range of affordable housing.

“These schemes are an exciting addition to an on-going programme of housing provision for the district. These initiatives clearly demonstrate DDC’s commitment to increasing the housing options available to local people, and we continue to work to see affordable housing solutions developed for our communities for the future.”

The three two-bedroom houses conform to the latest energy efficiency requirements, and the Lifetime Homes initiative.

The homes are fitted with efficient gas combi boilers, high performance insulation and wood burning stoves.

They also have a range of sustainable environmentally friendly features, including rain-water recycling, dual flush toilets, and composting facilities.

Other housing initiatives being taken forward by DDC include the purchase of eight affordable homes for rent within the new development at Mill Road in Deal, which are planned to be completed by March 2015.

DDC is also developing a new block of eight flats in Castle Street within the Dover Town Investment Zone, with construction starting in January, forming the first phase of the Dover Town Centre regeneration.