All 18 new Hartlepool Borough Council homes in Greatham have been quickly rented out

Built by Gus Robinson Developments for Hartlepool Borough Council, the homes - a mix of two and three-bedroomed houses and two-bedroomed flats - are at Hill View, in Greatham.

The £2.2 million scheme has been funded by the council with grant support from the Homes England Affordable Homes Programme.

All of the properties have been quickly let. They are fully carpeted and have modern kitchens and bathrooms.

Some have photovoltaic (PV) technology on the roof to convert sunlight into electrical energy. In addition, all gardens are turfed.

Councillor Shane Moore, the leader of the council, said after visiting the site: “The council has an ongoing commitment to support and encourage the provision of affordable council-owned housing across the borough and this scheme is a massive boost for that.

“Everyone who has viewed them has been impressed by the quality of the homes and I would like to thank all parties involved.

“I would particularly like to acknowledge the financial support of Homes England via a grant from their Affordable Homes Programme.”

Kirsty Birbeck, from Homes England, said: "We are committed to supporting Hartlepool Borough Council, who have ambitions to build new homes, and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that.

"We’re delighted that this funding will enable the council to deliver much-needed new homes in Hartlepool.”

The new homes bring the total number of properties owned and managed by the council to 326.

The authority said earlier this year that villagers and people with Greatham links would receive priority over the Hill View homes.