KATHERINE Walker receives the keys to her home at the new affordable housing scheme in Dipford Road, Trull.

The scheme provoked fierce opposition when it was first mooted, with objectors raising a 288-signature petition and 34 letters of protest.

But Taunton Deane Council eventually granted permission for nine homes at the third time of asking last April.

West of England Developments (Taunton) subsequently built seven cottages and two flats opposite Dipford Cottage which have just been allocated and occupied.

Five of these were sold at 70% of the market rate and four rented through Falcon Rural Housing - all to low income people with local connections.

Don Archer, Lead councillor for housing and development on Trull Parish Council, said: “The allocation process showed there is still an unmet need for further affordable housing in the parish.

“And at a recent parish council meeting a representative of the local residents stated that, although they had opposed the development, they would make the new residents welcome to Dipford.”