WORK is due to start on 20 new homes for rent in a Devon town after dormice on the site are found a new habitat.

The two and three-bedroom properties at Colyton, near Seaton, will help meet demand for affordable homes.

The project follows concerns that because of high house prices many people cannot afford to buy a home.

Wyvern Rural Housing Association, part of the Hastoe Group, will be building the homes at the junction of Hillhead and Old Sidmouth Road. The project is in partnership with East Devon District Council and Colyton Parish Council and comes after the Rural Housing Trust wound down its development in the region.

"Ecological works are to be carried out and the resident dormice on the site given a new home, said Rebecca Beaumont, on behalf of the developers. "It is hoped the project will be completed by September 2010."

At a parish council meeting councillors were informed of progress.

Parish council chairman Andrew Parr said: "Some local people have had great difficulty securing a home. At last, they will get an opportunity to rent an affordable home, stay in the town and be part of our community," he said.

Local people will be able to apply for the houses in 2010.

If anyone with a connection to Colyton would like to register an interest in one of them, they can call Louise Pounds at Hastoe on 01305 216944.