Nine bungalows for older people have been built as part of Stroud District Council's Independent Living scheme.

Five of the properties in Broadfield Road in Eastington were built on the site of a former communal lounge and ex-wardens flat, with four being built on further unused space.

The homes are all single storey, with wheelchair-accessible doorways, and wet rooms. They were offered to people aged over 55 at an affordable rent.

Built by construction-firm Beard, each property is said to be highly insulated, fitted with solar panels and an air source heat pump, resulting in an energy-efficient EPC rating of A.

New tenant Andrew Wilson was the first to move into the development.

He said: "Moving here has given me a new lease of life. Since I had a hip replacement, I've struggled to get around as my old house was on a hill. It's all flat here, including the walk to the local shop, so it will be much easier for me. As soon as I walked through the door, I said yes."

Cllr Mattie Ross, Chair of SDC's Housing Committee said: "I'm proud that we are providing good quality homes for older people with features that will meet their future needs.

"Nationally it is expected that there will be a significant increase in the number of older people over the next 20 years, and we are committed to invest and deliver the programme to modernise our Independent Living homes for older people."

The project is said to support Stroud District Council's Council Plan to build affordable, energy efficient homes and its commitment for the district to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Jamie Harwood, director of the Swindon division of Beard said: "These new properties are much more than bricks and mortar. They will provide vital affordable housing and will enable the residents to benefit from living in homes that are warm and energy efficient.

"At Beard we strive to always add value and exceed expectations, and it is a source of pride that we were chosen to build these bungalows that are designed for the future."

The homes in Broadfield Road are the second of three new-build sites Stroud District Council will be completing this year, which will result in a total of 36 affordable homes in the district.

Seven homes were completed in Summersfield Road, Minchinhampton in March, and 20 units on the site of a former sheltered housing scheme in Nailsworth which are scheduled to be completed in May.

Stroud District Council is the only local authority in Gloucestershire which still owns and manages council houses, with the others having transferred them into other social housing organisations.