Up to 96 new 'affordable' homes are to be built in West Lothian.

The housing forms part of the £1 billion expansion of Winchburgh village, which will see new schools, healthcare facilities, leisure and play areas and up to 3,450 new homes delivered over the next 20 years

The new homes are being built through a partnership between West Lothian Housing Partnership (WLHP) and West Lothian Council. WLHP is building 55 homes for social rent on the site, a mix of 36 flats and 19 terraced family homes, while West Lothian Council is adding a further 41. The 55 WLHP homes are due for completion at the end of 2018.

WLHP's £7 million development is part-funded by a £3m grant from the Scottish Government.

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Council Leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "West Lothian Council is building 1,000 new council homes and, since 2009, we have built more council homes than any other local authority in Scotland.

"Winchburgh is one of West Lothian's core development areas and a key part of the area's expansion is to provide affordable housing council housing for local people. We are delighted that the construction of these new homes is under way and look forward to seeing local people move into these much needed affordable homes in the near future."

WLHP Chair, John M Hill, said: "We're delighted to be building our first homes in Winchburgh and to work in partnership with West Lothian Council to deliver these much needed new homes.

"Social housing is an important part of any development, and means everyone has the chance to share in the success of this new town. West Lothian Housing Partnership is proud to play its part in shaping Winchburgh Village for generations to come."

The project is part of WLHP's plans to almost double its housing stock between 2017 and 2021. A further 42 homes for mid-market rent are currently being built at Jarvey Street in Bathgate.

The project has also boosted employment in the area, with three jobs already created, and a further four apprenticeship places to come at contractor McTaggarts.

(LM)