Construction has started on 30 council houses in Pencaitland, East Lothian, the first new council homes to be built in the village since 1985.
Cruden Building Scotland has started work on the energy efficient homes, which are funded by East Lothian Council’s capital investment programme and the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme.
The new development, off Lempockwells Road, will feature a mix of house styles, including family cottage flats, terraced and detached family homes, ranging in size from one to three bedroom properties.
Cabinet spokesperson for housing and property maintenance, councillor Andy Forrest, said: “Our last development here was at Woodhall Place in 1985, so it will be fantastic to welcome new tenants to Pencaitland.
“It’s also really important, particularly due to rising energy costs, that these homes are being built in a highly sustainable way and will include features like air source heat pumps and high quality insulation, which will help the new tenants cope with the general cost of living increases.
“This site forms part of the council’s general commitment to build almost 2,000 new affordable homes between now and the financial year 2026/27.”
The Lempockwells development aims to create a biodiverse neighbourhood and the site will undergo landscaping to include greenery and open plan spaces. Residents will also be able to make use of communal car charging facilities, car parking and recycling storage areas. A drainage system which is shared by the neighbouring site is being used to manage surface water run off.
The new homes are positioned close to Pencaitland Railway path, part of the National Cycle Network, so tenants can make use of nearby amenities and connections to the wider East Lothian area.
Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Building, said: “Starting work on our Lempockwells site is a great milestone and we’re delighted to be bringing more sustainable homes to East Lothian to meet the increasing demand of the growing population.
“We’ve put a lot of focus on building a development which is not only attractive and functional for homeowners, but also provides an inviting neighbourhood in which families can interact and make the most of their surroundings.”
The homes are scheduled for completion towards the end of 2023, into early 2024.
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