Construction has now started on the West Lothian Development Alliance development of 12 cottage flats for affordable rent in Stoneyburn.

Almond Housing Association is developing the homes before transferring ownership to Horizon Housing Association on completion.

The flats are designed to suit people with a range of needs and two are being built to full wheelchair standard. All the flats have inclusive design features, offering flexibility and adaptability particularly for people with age or health related conditions.

The properties will also benefit from “Silver Standard” energy efficiency levels with installation of photovoltaic (solar) panels.

Financial support for the development is being provided by the Scottish Government, Horizon and West Lothian Council.

Glasgow-based construction firm CCG is the main contractor for the project and will construct the new homes using a closed panel timber frame system manufactured in the company’s bespoke ‘Off-Site Manufacturing’ facility, CCG OSM, which will ensure excellent quality and environmental standards as well as a faster speed of construction.

Speaking on behalf of the West Lothian Development Alliance, George Webster, Almond’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to develop this site on behalf of our Alliance partner Horizon Housing Association. This is an exciting opportunity to show further evidence of our commitment to provide top quality accessible and affordable housing for the communities of West Lothian. The efforts of our Development Team here working with colleagues in the Scottish Government and West Lothian Council will be rewarded by seeing CCG provide us with a first rate product in terms of quality and cost.”

Julia Fitzpatrick, Horizon’s managing director, said: “Horizon has provided additional resources to enable this project to proceed and to help enhance the design specifications, part of our overall commitment to increasing the supply of accessible homes. As part of the Alliance, we are delighted to be bringing new social rented homes to the community of Stoneyburn.”

The new properties should be ready for tenants in mid-October 2017 and Horizon is already working with partners to allocate these and further customise to meet individual particular needs.

Calum Murray, director of CCG, added: “CCG is a specialist in the provision of affordable housing and we look forward to bringing high quality, affordable housing to this area of West Lothian working with the West Lothian Development Alliance.

“Through the use of our closed panel timber system, we will be able to reduce the impact of the site on the local community operating over a period of just 32 weeks, and with excellent environmental properties, the future residents of Stoneyburn will be greatly assisted with long-term savings on their energy bills.”