North Lanarkshire Council's largest direct purchase from a developer aims to provide much-needed affordable housing in the Firview development.
By Kirsty Lennox
••2 min read
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Generic image of a construction site with scaffolding and building materials in a Scottish town.
Construction has begun on 75 new council homes in Cumbernauld, marking North Lanarkshire Council's largest direct purchase from a developer to date.
The project, located south of Forest Road as part of the wider Firview development, will provide much-needed affordable housing for local residents and families. The council is acquiring the homes directly from developer Bellway Homes through its Affordable Housing Policy.
These homes are a key part of the initial residential phases within the South Cumbernauld Community Growth Area (CGA) Strategic Development Framework. Bellway Homes is delivering a mix of private and affordable housing, with the council's investment ensuring a greater number of homes are accessible to the local community.
Local councillors joined Housing Convener Councillor Michael McPake at a recent sod-cutting ceremony to officially mark the commencement of construction on the council housing element. The new homes will comprise 10 one and two-bedroom cottage flats for amenity housing, an additional 10 general needs cottage flats, 31 two-bedroom houses, and 24 three-bedroom houses.
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"This is a really positive development for Cumbernauld and will provide 75 much-needed council homes for local people and families. It's great to see work getting underway, and I want to recognise the support of our local elected members in helping bring this project forward. Working with developers through our Affordable Housing Policy gives us another important way of increasing the supply of quality, affordable homes in areas where they are needed most. These homes will make a real difference to people looking for a secure, affordable place to call home and will help us continue to deliver on our commitment to provide 6,000 new council homes by 2035."
The project, valued at £13.692 million and supported by the Scottish Government, is expected to see the first homes completed in summer 2027, with final handovers scheduled for autumn 2028. This represents the largest off-the-shelf housing acquisition by the council to date.
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"We’re delighted to have supported North Lanarkshire Council in delivering the first phase of affordable homes at Mid Forest. This marks an important milestone in the creation of an exciting new residential development that will take shape over the coming years and enhance the local community."
Under the council's Affordable Housing Policy, private developers are required to either provide affordable housing or contribute financially towards its delivery in areas with high housing demand.
