The three developments in East Kilbride, Blantyre and Hamilton combined will create a total of 112 brand-new rented affordable homes.

Lovell acquired the land and worked closely with the housing association to bring forward the schemes.

Construction has now started on site at the first development in Kenilworth Road, East Kilbride. The £4 million scheme will deliver 34 new affordable rented homes comprising 26 two-bedroom flats and eight two- and three-bedroom houses. The new homes will be built on derelict land which previously formed part of the South Lanarkshire College campus.

The new timber-framed development, scheduled for completion at the end of 2017, will provide smart, modern homes built to high energy-efficiency standards, helping minimise residents’ energy bills. Properties will meet the Scottish Building Standards Silver level (Aspects 1 and 2) thanks to their low-energy heating systems and reduced carbon emissions.

This will be achieved through a range of green technology including high-efficiency combi boilers; photovoltaic panels; advanced insulation and a flue gas recovery system which enables heat from waste flue gases to be recovered and used to preheat cold water entering the boiler. Lovell will also create new roads and infrastructure to serve the development.

Lovell acting regional director, Adam Forrest, said: “In partnership with Clyde Valley Housing Association, the Lovell team has drawn on its expertise in identifying and developing sites for new homes to bring forward these three housing schemes.

“These homes will significantly alleviate South Lanarkshire’s shortage of affordable homes, providing well-designed, energy-efficient modern properties for local people.”

Next year, the company will start work on two other developments in partnership with Clyde Valley Housing Association: a 40-home scheme in Hamilton and a 38-home development in Blantyre.

In addition to easing the shortage of affordable homes locally, the schemes will create jobs and training for people in the area who will take priority for employment and training opportunities being provided through the new developments.

Campbell Boyd, chairman of Clyde Valley Housing Association, said of the Association’s building ambitions: “It is very pleasing to be working with our partners at Lovell and see positive outcomes on these social housing developments. Our on-going aim is to provide much-needed, affordable homes to our local community.

“The Board of the Association is committed to meeting the significant demand for housing need and growing our housing stock with high-quality, energy-efficient properties. Ultimately, tenants benefit from having sustainable homes, providing comfortable living and a secure, safe environment to live in.”