An open day marked the opening of the six homes, which have been occupied by residents since April.

The site at Dale End, part of the Dawnay Estate, is providing much-needed accommodation in a rural area for local families and young people who may otherwise have had to seek accommodation outside of their local community.

The group responsible for the homes say provision of these homes helps to safeguard and sustain local family and friendship networks, supporting the social sustainability of the local community.

In addition to the Danby site, another six affordable homes were built at Ash Grove in Castleton, which have also been fully occupied with residents since the spring. All the homes across both sites are for rent.

Coun Jane Mortimer, Scarborough Borough Council’s cabinet member for property, housing and public health, said: “It is fantastic to see the development at Danby is already making a real difference to the local community.

“The benefits of both this scheme and the one at Castleton are broad and long lasting.

“Through close partnership working and lots of enthusiasm over the last few years, both schemes now provide examples of good practice for other small rural communities in the region to follow.”

Val Dilcock, chief planning officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “People living in the National Park tell us affordable housing is a key concern for them as the difference between the average house price and the average income, particularly for younger people, can be considerable.

“It is wonderful therefore to see this development at Danby not only open but occupied.

“We’ll continue to work with the Rural Housing Enabler to identify housing needs and potential sites for further affordable housing developments within the North York Moors.”

The local service providers that have been involved in delivering the schemes includes: Danby Parish Council, North York Moors National Park, Scarborough Borough Council, Sanctuary Housing, Homes and Communities Agency and Dawney Estate.