Up to 250 new council homes are to be built in West Lothian.

A total of six sites have been identified to accommodate the new homes, which will go towards the council's aim of developing 3,000 'affordable' homes in the region by 2022.

Details of the sites are as follows;

• Eagle Brae, Livingston 30 homes - A council depot that has been declared surplus to requirements

• Guildiehaugh, Bathgate 88 homes - A former council depot that has been declared surplus to requirements following the opening of Whitehill Depot

• Vion, Broxburn 12 homes - The site has been acquired by the council from Bellway Homes who are developing the former Vion site for private housing

• Mossend, West Calder 69 homes - This site is in the process of being acquired from Walker Group who are developing the site for private housing

• Standhill, Bathgate 25 homes - This site is in the process of being acquired from Barratt Housing who are developing the site for private housing

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• Brucefield, Livingston 26 homes - Barratt Housing are developing this site. Barratt are required to transfer land to the council for affordable housing before 10 private houses are occupied on the site.

Overall, around two thirds of the council's 3,000 homes target are either already built or under construction. To meet the target, nearly 900 further homes need to be planned for over the next few years. Whilst the council will provide some of these homes, it is anticipated that a significant amount will be constructed by Registered Social Landlords.

In addition, the council will also add to the supply of 'affordable' homes by completing the balance of the existing new build programme and purchasing former council houses from the open market.

Cllr George Paul said: "We are absolutely committed to providing more affordable homes for the residents of West Lothian and our investment in this area is hugely significant.

"Our new build programme is already making a huge difference to hundreds of families. Identifying sites for further new build housing is an important step forward in our planning for our next programme of new build homes. Four of the six new sites for our new programme are being transferred to the council from private developers. The two other sites will see the council making good use of surplus land already in the council's ownership.

"We understand that there are many people on the common housing register who are waiting on an affordable home in West Lothian and we are no different to other parts of the country in that regard - demand for affordable housing outstrips supply. We are doing everything in our power to build new council homes and support our partners in their efforts to provide sustainable communities for future generations."

(LM)