BARONESS Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, was invited to cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the handover of the first ten newly completed Army homes on The Plummer Estate at Ludgershall last Thursday.

The Plummer Estate, built to accommodate service families returning from Germany under Army 2020, will comprise 242 homes, 166 servicemen’s and 78 Officer’s house types.

The house that we viewed, 10 Hill Road, was an Officer Type IV house, designed by rank for a Major. It was four bedroomed, one bedroom with en-suite shower room, with a large fitted kitchen, huge lounge/diner, utility room, downstairs toilet and large storage spaces for all the kit that a service person accumulates.

Well-insulated with gas fired central heating and double-glazed windows the house was energy efficient. There were multiple socket outlets in each room with USB ports as standard and built in TV aerial ports and a wired in fire alarm system.

The kitchen had a fitted cooker and space for dishwasher ready to be plumbed in and there were lots of kitchen cupboards. Outside was a garden, laid to grass and a large garage with hard standing for additional vehicles. The quality of everything we were shown was first class.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Major General Richard Wardlaw, director Basing and Infrastructure, said: “I have really enjoyed being part of the event today. It is a privilege to showcase the delivery of these brand-new modern homes that will allow our Service families to live in first-class facilities”

“I hope the families moving from Germany and within the UK this summer enjoy these properties for many years to come.”

Baroness Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council said: “I’m delighted to officially open this house which is a fine example of where our Service Personnel will be making their home in Wiltshire.”

“Since the programme was announced in 2013 we have worked with our partners to prepare the way for their return. We have worked closely together to ensure as well as sufficient homes we will have the right infrastructure in place, enough school places and health and leisure facilities.”

“We value the contribution the Army makes to our county and we know they will receive a warm welcome when they arrive and make their home here.”

The building programme of 917 new homes which includes sites at Bulford and Larkhill is ahead of schedule with many homes in Bulford already handed over and those at Larkhill nearing completion.