FIVE new homes in Itchen Abbas were officially completed this week.

The first council-built houses in the Winchester district for a decade were handed over on Tuesday (July 8).

Known as Baxter Cottages, named after former councillor and Mayor of Winchester, Neil Baxter, the three three-bedroom and two two-bedroom houses have been built on the site of a disused pumping station and council garage block, in Station Close.

The council owns and manages the energy-efficient homes, which will be let at an affordable rent, with priority given to people in housing need with a local connection to Itchen Abbas.

Cllr Steve Miller, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business Services which includes new homes delivery, said: “These are the first five houses of more than 160 planned over the next five years and the project signals our commitment to provide much-needed homes for those in housing need.”