The MP for Tunbridge Wells and the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, has officially opened a new development of 163 affordable homes at Knights Wood.

The homes have been provided by the Moat housing association, in partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.

The developer, Dandara, has established a whole new community set in a woodland environment, only 10 minutes drive from the centre of Tunbridge Wells.

The development will provide a mix of 81 shared ownership homes and 82 apartments and houses at an affordable rent.

Three apartment blocks have already been completed and a further 24 shared ownership houses and two blocks for affordable rent are due to complete during 2017, with the remaining homes programmed to be completed by 2020.

There is a large demand for affordable homes across Kent: in Tunbridge Wells alone there are 1,010 eligible households waiting on the register to buy a shared-ownership property.

Mr Clark said: “Finding a home in Tunbridge Wells as a first-time buyer or a renter has become very expensive so these new homes are a real boost to local people.

“With a brand new primary school, sports facilities and wonderful views over both Tunbridge Wells and our surrounding countryside, no wonder Knights Wood is proving so popular.”