A new housing development in north Norfolk has welcomed its first tenants - a family of four. 

Claire and Robert Shearing, and their two children aged 10 and six, have moved into a house off Broadgate Close in Northrepps.   

The estate of 19 houses - which includes 10 so-called 'affordable' homes - is owned by Broadland Housing Association.  

The family had previously been living in a cramped two-bedroom home, which meant their son and daughter were having to share a bedroom, a situation exacerbated by the fact their son is autistic. 

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Mrs Shearing said: “We were getting to the stage where it was becoming impossible to squeeze into our old home. 

“Boys and girls of that age shouldn’t have to share a bedroom, and our son needs a quiet space to be calm because of his autism." 

Mrs Shearing, who works at Morrisons in Cromer, grew up in north Norfolk around Cromer and Overstrand.  

Mr Shearing, who also works at the supermarket, grew up in Norwich, although his mother now lives in North Walsham. 

They were handed their keys by Michael Newey, chief executive of Broadland Housing, and Councillor Wendy Fredericks, deputy leader of North Norfolk District Council and portfolio holder for housing and people services. 

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The development is known as an Exception Housing Site, which means it is on land that is not usually permitted for development, unless there is a local need for affordable housing. 

Eight of the houses are for affordable rent and two for shared ownership. The rest are being developed by Broadland Housing’s subsidiary Broadland St Benedicts for open market sale. 

The proceeds will go towards subsidising the affordable homes. 

Cllr Fredericks said: “It’s great to see houses being built in north Norfolk, especially affordable homes built for local people. 

“We would love to see more of these built in North Norfolk. If you have land that could support a small development like this, our housing strategy team would love to hear from you.”