Seven affordable homes in Eaglesham have been handed over to East Renfrewshire Council by Mactaggart & Mickel Contracts, a division of the Mactaggart & Mickel Group.

The homes, which range from one-bedroom bungalows to one and two-bedroom apartments, form part of the wider development of 121 homes at Polnoon, a pioneering site that sets new standards in urban planning.

Fully embracing the Scottish Government’s Designing Streets agenda, it encapsulates the placemaking design approach to build a better quality living environment and community for residents.

Peter Shepherd, director at Mactaggart & Mickel Contracts, said: “With the delivery of affordable housing currently high on the political and social agenda, it’s important for local authorities and contractors to work together to help deliver projects like this.

“As a company, we’ve had a presence in East Renfrewshire for decades but it’s particularly gratifying to work in alliance with the local council to help meet affordable housing targets. Our extensive construction experience and commitment to effective design means we are able to offer value for money without compromising on quality of build.

“Polnoon is particularly unique; catering to the needs of pedestrians rather than vehicles, it showcases what can be achieved by looking at development design differently with a fresh perspective on community and sustainability.

“We hope the homes at Polnoon will make a big difference to the lives of their new tenants.”

Convener for housing, Councillor Danny Devlin, added: “This is a fantastic example of the kind of modern, affordable social housing that is in demand and that our residents deserve.

“We’re driving ahead to deliver and the homes at Polnoon were built under our affordable housing policy in conjunction with Mactaggart & Mickel Contracts. I’m delighted to hear what a difference the homes are already making to our local community. We are playing our part in helping to keep communities together.”

Polnoon won a Saltire Design Award for Innovation in Housing in 2015, and in 2014 was named Best Medium Development at the Homes for Scotland Awards. The site has been visited by town planners, architects and interested parties from across Scotland and beyond.