Tenants have begun moving into 35 affordable homes which are part of a wider scheme - that has been awarded a 'five-star rating'

The Lancaster Grange development in Barnes Wallis Way, in Bricket Wood, received the Home Quality Mark - the first development in the country to receive the mark.

Housing association Clarion Housing says the star rating, developed by the British Research Establishment, provides its tenants with the added assurance that their new homes are "designed and built to the highest standards".

Watford Observer:

Nataliia Sakharova, 34, and her four year old daughter, moved into a new two-bedroom flat at Lancaster Grange in January.

She said: “Moving into our Clarion home marked the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. The homes themselves are very nice and the development is really well placed to get to local schools and transport links. There are lots of other families at the development and my daughter loves the outdoor space. We couldn’t be happier.”

Watford Observer:

Nataliia and her daughter have moved into one of Clarion's homes in Bricket Wood

Ian Christmas, head of new projects for Clarion in the eastern region, added: “Clarion is committed to working with partners, like Crest, who share our passion developing vibrant, mixed and well designed communities. We are delighted to deliver 35 much-needed new affordable housing to the area, which will benefit families for years to come.”

Lancaster Grange was developed by Crest Nicholson delivering two-bed apartments alongside three and four-bedroom homes, with Clarion delivering 35 affordable homes available for affordable rent and under the shared ownership scheme .

Clarion’s homes benefit from special solar panels, known as photovoltaic cells, to help to reduce residents’ energy costs. The development, also includes communal green spaces, play areas, cycle paths and footpaths.