A Blue Peter accordionist, a mother of two who nearly lost her home, and a couple who waited ten years for a bungalow.
All of them live on the same new street in Sheringham.
And all of them were on the district council's housing register in a town where second homes and holiday lets are said to have priced most people out of buying or renting properties.
West Wood is the largest affordable housing scheme built in the town in decades, offering a lifeline to people on the council’s housing register in a community increasingly dominated by second homes and holiday lets.
Peter Bunyan, 88, is among the first to move into the development.
A former builder, craftsman, and accordionist for the Sheringham Shantymen, he said: "When I walked in, it was love at first sight.
"I love the open plan – this is the best place I’ve ever lived in."
Mr Bunyan moved to Sheringham from near Oxford in 1990 on his doctor’s advice.
He said: "I had a lot of chest problems.
"My doctor said move to the coast and get some fresh air, best thing I ever did."
West Wood, which was completed in summer 2025 by affordable housing provider Flagship, part of Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL), sits off Weybourne Road.
The development includes 24 homes, 18 of which are for affordable rent.
The remaining six are for shared ownership, allowing residents to buy a stake in their home while renting the rest.
Mr Bunyan’s new bungalow, which has a small garden and no stairs, has given him both comfort and independence.
He said: "I thought, it’s got a little garden, all on one level, that must be heaven."
His past includes crewing the launch team for the local RNLI lifeboat and a proud appearance on Blue Peter.
He said: "All my kids and grandchildren saw it, 'Oh, that’s Granddad.'
"Lovely days, you couldn’t replace them."
Neighbour Sandy Alonso Davis, 44, moved in with her two daughters after nearly becoming homeless due to her landlord selling up.
She said: "I don’t have to worry as much that I’m going to be kicked out.
"It’s a secure place to live.
"I’d never had a garden before.
"It’s quiet, and it’s nice to see the kids play out."
Ms Alonso Davis, who works cleaning holiday homes, is all too familiar with the region’s housing pressures.
She said: "There are so many second homes and holiday lets around Sheringham.
"It’s frustrating for the many people who need homes."
Retired couple Bob and Jacky Regis also found a new start at West Wood after spending 10 years on the housing register.
They moved from a third-floor flat in town to a single-storey bungalow.
Mrs Regis, 73, said: "All three of our children live in Sheringham, so we were lucky we got to stay here."
Mr Regis, 70, has been especially pleased with the home’s running costs thanks to an air source heat pump.
He said: "It’s on constant, 24/7."
He added that their highest winter energy bill was less than half what they used to pay.
Though they experienced a few early issues, he said these were addressed quickly.
He said: "They’ve come round and rectified them all.
"We’re quite happy."
Mr Regis believes the long wait highlights the need for more developments like West Wood.
He said: "There’s a lot more needed.
"We’ve got friends who’d love a bungalow, but the chances are remote."
Councillor Jill Boyle, portfolio holder for housing and people services at North Norfolk District Council, welcomed the impact of the development.
She said: "We are delighted to see the successful delivery of new social homes in Sheringham by Bromford Flagship LiveWest, providing high-quality, affordable housing for local residents, helping to meet the community’s housing needs and changing lives.
"North Norfolk District Council is pleased to work with our provider and looks forward to more developments in the future."
Share