North Lanarkshire Council's Convener of Housing Allan Stubs has visited four new-build construction sites to highlight the progress being made and to discuss the importance of the 'net-zero' emission homes being built.

Ambitious plans to deliver 5,000 new council houses by 2035, benefiting communities across North Lanarkshire are progressing well, with hundreds of properties currently under construction.

One of the largest developments underway, at Holehills in Airdrie, will see 150 new houses being built; and 19 of these are to be 'net-zero' emission homes.

These enhanced sustainability homes will have additional solar panels, battery storage and air source heat pumps.

During a visit to the sites, housing convener Allan Stubbs said: "The new houses are of a high standard and will provide wonderful homes for the people who move into them.

"I was particularly interested to see the net zero pilot project at this development, which is the first step towards more affordable, energy-efficient homes for North Lanarkshire.

"The new-build houses provide for varying needs which means they are adaptable and accessible, with ten per-cent of all properties specifically designed to be wheelchair friendly and all will incorporate dementia-friendly measures."

The net-zero homes will feature enhanced sustainability standards such as:

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• Additional solar panels, producing up to 4kw of electricity to reduce CO2 emissions, assist with running costs for the home, and reduce demand on the national grid.

• The installation of battery storage units which will store the electricity generated from the solar panels (this will then become the priority source of electricity for the new home)

• The batteries can also take advantage of variable energy tariffs, topping up during cheaper off-peak periods

• The install of highly energy efficient air source heat pumps which will allow the tenant to heat their home without the use of gas or any other carbon sources

• Enhanced insulation to minimise heat loss

• Enhanced windows and doors specifications (exceeding requirements set out in the Building Standards).

The measures are designed to reduce energy costs for the tenant, help keep carbon emissions low and help towards tackling fuel poverty.

It is already anticipated that these new homes will achieve an 'A' rated Energy Performance rating.

Councillor Stubbs added: "The council has also committed to providing an electric vehicle charging pillar at every new build parking court and charging points at homes with private driveways.

"We're also ensuring ducting and adequate spaces are available on sites for fitting additional pillars in the future."

There are seven new-build sites currently being developed in North Lanarkshire:

• Annieshill View, Plains

• Dykehead Road, Airdrie (Holehills)

• Community Rd, Bellshill

• Lindsaybeg Road, Chryston

• Castlehill Road, Wishaw

• The former Orrs building in Airdrie, which is an off the shelf purchase agreement, and

• Northburn Avenue, Airdrie.

Each of the developments feature a mix of housing including one, two, three and four bedroom homes, wheelchair houses and bungalows, cottage flats and amenity bungalows.

The council's new build homes are built to achieve Housing for Varying Needs standards, a design guide, which sets out good practice on the design of housing so that it can be suitable for people of all abilities.

People have various housing needs, which change through a lifetime. The built form of all housing should be flexible enough to accommodate a range of these needs.

All the new build homes have been designed with dementia design principles in mind and have a range of features to support those living with dementia

North Lanarkshire is working to provide 5000 new homes for rent by 2035, with 954 completed to date, construction work currently taking place on another 364 properties.

The site at Annieshill View in Plains is the next development to be completed and is set to welcome new tenants this summer.