The £4.5 million development built on behalf of the West Lothian Council by Cruden Building East, will provide 16 one-bedroom bungalows, designed to support individuals with learning disabilities to live independently.

The modern facility in Cawburn Road, Pumpherston, has a range of features to support individuals who may face challenges due to specific sensory needs as well as being designed to support a range of Technology Enable Care which will support them to live with a degree of independence.

The facility will be operated by Mears Group, who have been awarded the contract to provide the required care and support for individuals living in the development, on behalf of the West Lothian Integrated Joint Board (IJB). The IJB have responsibility for planning most of the integrated health and social care services for adults in the area, delivered through the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).

Executive councillor for social work and health Anne McMillan was joined by invited special guests and council staff, including Alison White, chief officer of West Lothian HSCP, to celebrate the completion of the development.

Councillor McMillan said: “I’m delighted to see this superb new development for West Lothian residents with learning disabilities and complex care needs completed.

“This significant investment in local homes for individuals with a range of care and support needs will significantly empower more residents to live independently within the community, avoiding unnecessary hospital stays or having to move to other areas.

“It will be a huge asset to enable those who require this level of support, to receive it within their own home.”

Sustainability measures have also been considered, such as ground source heat pumps, with an onsite staff building will ensure that care and support can be provided to individuals as this is needed.

The tenancies are designed to enable individuals with complex care needs to avoid unnecessary hospital stays as well as reducing individuals having to leave West Lothian and move resources out with the local area.