The first tenants at the new council houses on a 620-house estate being built in Kenilworth have now collected their keys.

The new residents have been settling into the properties at Stoneleigh View, where 248 homes will be made available as council houses or sold at social rent levels or as shared ownership.

Another 62 will be sold by Warwick District Council's (WDC) housing company Milverton Homes, with the final 310 sold by Linden Homes and Bovis Homes.

New tenant Edilay said: "I have no words to express how grateful I am for everything that Warwick District Council has done for me.

"I have always dreamed of having a new house, and the day I signed the contract and received my keys was the most beautiful thing that happened in my life."

In 2021 WDC announced it would be investing £60 million to help build 620 homes next to the new Kenilworth School, in a joint project with Countryside Partnerships - which is part of Vistry Group.

Adam Sharpe, managing director, West Midlands South, Countryside Partnerships said: "We are thrilled to be handing over the first homes to Warwick District Council.

"Joint ventures such as this provide a range of high-quality family homes to suit people from all walks of life.

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"The blend of open market and affordable properties provides a wonderfully diverse neighbourhood where communities can thrive."

Linden Homes began selling the first houses at its Stoneleigh View development in March, and has now unveiled a new four-bedroom show home.

Bovis has also now opened two show homes on the site.

Detailed plans for the major estate - which will wrap around the Woodside Hotel and new Kenilworth School - were approved by Warwick District Council last November despite concerns over sustainability.

The planning committee also raised concerns over transparency with the major development a joint venture between Vistry Linden and Milverton Homes.

Cllr Paul Wightman, WDC's portfolio holder for housing said: "The council is working hard to meet the housing needs of a growing population and in area where house prices are well above the national average and affordable rental homes are in short supply.

"It's therefore wonderful to see the smiles on our tenants faces as they get the keys to their high quality, energy-efficient new council homes knowing the massive impact it will have on their lives."