A TOWN has been given a homes boost with a development of 30 council houses being built at a cost of £3million.

Glasgow-based developer Lovell has been handed the contract for the scheme in Cumbernauld.

Lovell will build 12, two and three-apartment cottage flats and 18 three, four and five-bedroom houses in Cardowan Drive, Blackwood, plus new access roads, car parking and landscaping.

Work on the year-long construction programme is due to begin in October.

It will also create four jobs for local people, one construction apprenticeship and four work experience placements.

Lovell was chosen by North Lanarkshire Council after a competitive tendering process.

Alan Taylor, Lovell's regional director, said: "This development will provide new, high-quality council homes, as well as create significant job and training opportunities locally.

"We look forward to starting construction."

The properties are designed to meet the Housing For Varying Needs Part 1 Standard, ensuring they can be readily adapted to meet residents' needs.

The homes will be sustainable and energy-efficient, meeting the Scottish Building Standards silver sustainability level and achieving a minimum 'Good' EcoHomes rating.

Energy-efficiency features will include a whole house ventilation with heat recovery system. It works by extracting moist warm air from kitchens and bathrooms, using the heat from that air to warm fresh air coming into the house.

Councillor Sam Love, convener of North Lanarkshire Council's housing and social work services committee, said: "Our new-build programme is making a difference to the lives of our tenants and improving the range of properties we have available for rent.

"So far, 237 units are completed, 55 are on site, 105 are at statutory consent stage and 35 are out to tender.

"We are committed to delivering high-quality, affordable homes for our tenants and their families while helping to build new communities."

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk