Work has now started on the construction of Lovell’s collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in Dalkeith, some 39 of which, at North Mayfield (Oak Place), comprise a mix of terraces, cottage flats and bungalows for Melville Housing Association.

Two of these bungalows are wheelchair units and there are four enhanced units (energy-wise) for Melville which include triple-glazed windows, enhanced building fabric, double PV, EV chargers per property.

Jennifer Dunn, associate quantity surveyor, Hardies Property & Construction Consultants, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Melville Housing Association to provide employer’s agent and CDM Advisor roles, and are thrilled to be working with them again on this latest project.

“This is our second project with Lovell as contractor to start on site this year and, with sustainability becoming increasingly vital, we are excited to be working towards producing some enhanced units on this development.”

John McMorrow, chief executive of Melville Housing, added: “We are delighted to continue our excellent working relationship with Hardies on these new, and vitally important, affordable homes, made possible thanks to Scottish Government funding and support from Midlothian Council.

“The huge numbers on Midlothian’s social housing waiting list demonstrate the desperate need for good quality, affordable and sustainable homes and, by working with companies like Hardies and Lovell, we will do everything we can to respond to this demand.”

The development will provide a series of sustainability measures within the site to reduce its environmental impact. Homes will feature roof mounted PV panels and be designed to the latest technical standards in terms of insulation, air tightness and energy ratings.

In addition, a number of EV charge points will be incorporated throughout the site in accordance with Midlothian Council Policy.