Detailed proposals to develop around 40 new properties on two sites at Earlston Avenue/Blacksyke Avenue in Shortlees were halted previously when Scottish Government grant support was redirected towards town centre regeneration initiatives.

But with those projects now complete, Atrium has been able to resurrect its previous proposals and hopes to achieve a site start in Shortlees in this financial year.

Celia Taylor, head of investment at Atrium, said: “This gives us the chance to complete the BISF Regeneration Project and I am delighted that it is back on track. We had already done a lot of design work with the design team, contractor and local residents so we can easily pick those threads back up again.”

Jim O’Neill, chair of Atrium, added: “I am particularly delighted about this development as it allows us to complete regeneration plans which we prepared back in 2008. We expect that around 50 per cent of the new properties will be aimed at the older population but there will also be some for families and single persons, reflecting the varied needs of the area.”