A £1M housing development has been completed on the site of a former sports centre, which closed amid protests.

Tees Valley Housing Group has handed the 15 properties in Richmond to their new occupants.

The 12 apartments and three houses are on the site of the old Zetland Harriers clubhouse, and stone from the original building was incorporated into the scheme.

The development, the eighth by the housing association in Richmondshire, stands on the site of the former Richmond Sports Centre, which was closed by Richmondshire District Council in 2004 amid protests from residents and sports clubs.

Continuing opposition led to public objections to plans for affordable housing on the land.

Funding for the scheme came from the Housing Corporation and North Yorkshire County Council, which each provided half of the £1.1m cost.

Martin Hawthorne, director of development and regeneration at Tees Valley Housing Group, said: "The work we have done with Richmondshire District Council has seen us provide homes for a range of people across the area.

"In each case, we have taken a disused site and placed attractive, affordable homes that meet a real need for the people of Richmondshire."

Councillor Clive World, ward member, said: "Creating more affordable housing is a priority for the council and these flats and houses bring much-needed accommodation to Richmond.

"We currently have a scheme under development in Bainbridge, while a consultation event for potential development has just been held in Catterick Village."