The first phase of a major new housing development is finally complete.

The largest single development to be carried out by Progress Housing has seen nine of 68 new build affordable homes handed over to the company's development team.

Seven three-bedroom shared-ownership homes in Cottam, just north of Preston have now been handed over to the group’s development team, with two two-bedroom affordable homes being handed over later this week.

The nine homes form part of a larger 68 unit housing development located off Canberra Lane in Cottam, which Countryside Properties are developing.

Forty-five of the 68 homes will be available for affordable rent, with an additional 23 being sold as shared-ownership homes.

The shared-ownership properties will offer a more affordable route into home ownership for those struggling to get on the housing ladder.

Development manager at Progress Housing Group, Kerry Schumacker, said: "The completion of the Canberra Lane site in Preston is particularly significant as it’s one of our biggest projects to date.

“Working closely with our partners Homes England and Countryside Properties, we are proud to have completed this project despite the challenges posed by Covid-19.

"Now, more than ever, there’s a need for more affordable housing, and Progress Housing Group is determined to help make this happen with a range of developments underway across the UK.

"It is great to finally start handing over these wonderful new houses that people will soon be calling home."

The shared ownership homes are priced from £58,400 for a two-bedroom house based on a 40 per cent share, while three-bedroom homes for the same percentage share are £76,000.

Shared ownership allows you to buy a percentage (between 25 per cent and 75 per cent) of your new home and pay rent on the rest.

Progress Housing Group owns part of the house, but you’re living there, decorating it, and deciding when to sell.