North Lanarkshire Council's plans to build new homes are gathering pace with the first of these, being built in Holytown under the £31m programme, set to open their doors to tenants this spring.

Over the years the housing stock has fallen due to people using the 'Right to Buy' legislation. This reduction in council housing, together with the risings costs of purchasing a home means a shortage of affordable properties.

"That's why we're delivering this project," explained Councillor Barry McCulloch, Convener of the Housing and Social Work Services Committee. "Currently our new build programme will see over 215 new homes for rent built across the area and significant investment being made by the council.

-- Advertisement --

"And we're already making real progress in delivering this innovative programme both in terms of construction and the selection of suitable sites.

"We're also bringing forward a further £10m into the housing capital programme for 2009/10 and 2010/11 to help support the construction industry and its workforce. Our programme is also providing support to the local economy at a very difficult time for the building industry."

Recent progress includes the appointment of three housing contractors, Lovells, Ogilvie and Wates Living Space, to deliver the new build programme plus an agreement to purchase 18 properties from David Wilson Homes as part of the first phase of the Ravenscraig development.

The contracts for the next three sites in Clarkston, Airdrie; Cambusnethan, Wishaw and North Road, Cumbernauld have been awarded. Plans are now being taken forward for 19 new homes in Clarkston, 20 in Cambusnethan and around 29 in North Road, Cumbernauld.

In addition to the £31m funding provided by the council from its own resources, they have also been successful in applying for funding from the Scottish Government.

A recent funding award of £2.625m represents a subsidy of £25,000 towards each of the 105 new build homes planned for the Moodiesburn and Cumbernauld area.

They council were successful in securing £1.95m funding in a previous allocation.

(GK/BMcC)