THE first tenants have moved onto Swanage's Prospect Farm housing development, which includes seven properties designated as 'affordable housing'.

Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) owns and will manage the affordable properties.

Alan Audley, who has autism, is one of the first to move in.

This is the first time in 46 years Alan has been able to live independently. Not only that, but he has achieved a lifetime's ambition – to live in Swanage where his father grew up.

"I absolutely love my new home and the best thing about it is that it is in Swanage," said Alan. "I also get to live independently, which means so much to me."

Prior to his move Alan was living in supported accommodation within Purbeck with two other people with disabilities.

The house was situated in a remote location with no pavements – and the nearest bus stop was nearly a mile away and served very infrequently.

His dad, Chris, said: "Although Alan has autism, he is very independent and able to take care of himself and do lots of things for himself.

“His last accommodation was just not suitable for his needs and it was also very isolated and not safe for him just to leave the house. He had to rely on others to get about.

“He had to wait a very long time for this flat and I’m so happy for him, especially as living in Swanage was always his dream.

“Now he can catch the bus to his drama club, walk into town and visit his favourite places like Durlston Country Park.”

Planning permission to build at Swanage's Prospect Farm, farmland north of Victoria Avenue, was given in October 2017.

These plans were for 13 detached houses, two-semi-detached and a block of five flats.

The detached houses are to be sold on the open market. The affordable housing element comprises seven properties – two shared ownership homes and five flats.

BCHA chief executive officer Martin Hancock said: "We are delighted to see our first tenants move into the new flats at Prospect Farm.

“Hearing stories like Alan’s shows how much housing like this is desperately needed, especially in towns like Swanage and rural areas like Purbeck.

“BCHA, as well as providing accommodation and support to people in housing needs, is also a developer of many general need affordable houses and flats.

“We’re on target to build 500 new affordable homes, like these ones in Swanage, over the next five years.”

Meanwhile, Dorset Council housing and community safety member Cllr Graham Carr-Jones said: "I’m delighted Dorset Council has teamed up with BCHA to benefit local people.

"The council is committed to working with registered housing providers, like BCHA, to deliver affordable, suitable and decent home and these will provide a fresh start for local people like Alan.”