THE ribbon has been cut to Winchester City Council's new affordable housing scheme in Knowle.

Dean Copse Cottages, which comprises four two-bed homes and one three-bed home, was officially opened on Monday (November 11).

Built by contractor FE Chase, the scheme is part of three affordable housing sites which will deliver a total of 13 new homes in the village.

The development has energy efficiency at its heart with the homes including several environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels, high levels of insulation and high performance glazing.

This means that the cottages are easier and more cost effective to heat than older properties.