Up to 5,000 new 'affordable' homes are to be built in North Lanarkshire by 2035.

The council has more than doubled its current commitment to build 2,150 new homes, which will help bring new jobs and opportunities to the area, regenerate local communities and transform town centres.

A number of initiatives will be used to help reach this goal, such as significantly expanding the purchase of properties through the Open Market Purchase Scheme and breathing life back into towns and derelict homes via the Empty Homes Purchase Scheme, with over 100 homes already brought back into use. In total, 500 new homes have been completed.

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A consultation is already underway on the first stage of the housing plans, which will likely see the area's tower blocks demolished to make way for new homes that meet the needs and aspirations of tenants. Initial feedback confirms there is strong support for the proposal and work will continue to identify new sites, including town centre areas, to increase the opportunity for housing development.

Cllr Allan Graham said: "Improving the lives of our tenants and regenerating our local communities and town centres are the drivers behind our long term ambition.

"These are hugely exciting and ambitious plans. North Lanarkshire Council is Scotland's largest council landlord and we are in the midst of the biggest council housebuilding programme in a generation in Scotland.

"We'll be creating local jobs and training, strengthening our local economy over a sustained period and changing the way people live and work by regenerating our town centres. It's an exciting time for North Lanarkshire and our plans clearly demonstrate our ambitions and aspirations for the area and its residents."

The plans are subject to committee approval on Thursday, 10 May.

(LM/MH)