Winchester MP, Mark Oaten, joined other civic dignitaries for the opening of a new development of luxury private retirement properties and affordable rented housing for the over 65s, which sit side by side in the leafy surroundings of Wyke Mark, off Dean Lane, Winchester.

Twenty-five two- and three-bedroom apartments have been created by English Courtyard, specialists in independent retirement living, who have also overseen the construction of eight one- and two-bed flats for rent by Winchester Housing Association, on the site of Wyke Mark's former coach house.

Mark Oaten and the Mayor of Winchester, Cecily Sutton, joined VIP guests at the opening and were welcomed by English Courtyard MD, Victor Kidd, who thanked everyone involved in bringing the new development project to fruition.

"This scheme and its planning consent are the result of careful discussions with Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, Winchester Housing Association, neighbours, residents' associations and amenity societies. The result of that dialogue is what we see here today and, personally, it is something I am very proud of."

Tony Petersen, chairman of Winchester Housing Group, declared that it was the housing association's belief that investing in neighbourhoods was vital to securing a successful future economically, socially and environmentally.

"A range of housing options within a neighbourhood can provide a safety net in times of need and a springboard to people looking for home ownership or a larger home. We want to meet the needs of people across a broad spectrum of incomes and at different phases in their lives, creating a more flexible range of housing choices," he said.

Mark Oaten joined Mr Kidd and Mr Petersen in the opening ceremony, which was attended by some 60 people, including the scheme's architects, representatives of English Courtyard, Winchester Housing Association, neighbours and residents of Wyke Mark and The Coach House.

The development is on the site of the former Wyke Mark residential home for the elderly. Its controversial closure caused a storm of protest from relatives of the elderly residents who were in the home and had to be transferred to other homes elsewhere in the county when the property was sold by the county council for redevelopment.