A NEW development of affordable homes, controversially located on a former bowling green, has been officially opened in Chesham.

The Bowling Court flats, 18 in total, are available to people who can't afford to rent on the open market and are in desperate need of suitable housing.

The development has been built by the Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association (HPCHA) on the town's former Chess Vale Bowls Club, which suffered from subsidence and was forced to move.

Residents raised concerns over affordable housing being built on the former leisure facility.

The flats, in East Street, are just a few minutes' walk from both the High Street and railway station and are ideal for young families with children.

The development was made possible by HPCHA acquiring the land from the bowls club and helping them to relocate to another site.

David Bogle, the HPCHA's chief executive, said: "We are very pleased to have received funding from the Housing Corporation to build these homes in the heart of Chesham.

"Our aim is to assist the council in reducing the number of people housed in temporary or unsuitable housing, providing permanent housing for people who are unable to buy or rent homes on the open market.

"Many of the people who have already moved in are couples in their 20s and 30s from Chesham or the surrounding area, while families with children are mainly housed on the ground floor."

Some of the flats look out over Lowndes Park, part of which was given to the town in 1953 by the Lowndes family.

The rents for the flats are set at £78.80 per week, supplemented by a weekly service charge of £4.

Fiona Cruickshank, director for the South East, said : "I am delighted that Housing Corporation funding of £1,041,437 has contributed to the provision of 18 homes for rent in Chesham.

"These new homes will really make a difference for local families experiencing housing need."

Cllr Jeremy Banham, chairman of Chiltern District Council, officially opened the new complex on Tuesday.

Representatives from the bowling club were also at the official opening. The Chess Vale Bowls Club found a new home in Asheridge Road.