The first sod was cut on ground in Cedar Road, Cumbernauld, marking work beginning on another new council housing development for the area.

The latest development forms part of North Lanarkshire Council’s new house building programme to deliver 5,000 new homes by 2035. To date it has completed 633 new homes with others nearing completion and at various stages of design. Cedar Road will consist of 14 homes – a mix of one and two bedroom properties – and is being delivered by developer Lovell.

Cutting the sod was Councillor Allan Graham, convener of enterprise and housing, who was joined by representatives from North Lanarkshire Council, developer Lovell and Councillor Claire Barclay.

Councillor Graham said: “Our new build council housing programme continues to make positive progress and this site forms yet another development for North Lanarkshire.

“These modern, affordable new homes will offer first class housing for local people. Not only that, but they provide regeneration opportunities to vacant sites and jobs too. I look forward to seeing the completed development become part of the local community for generations to come.”

Kevin McColgan, interim regional managing director for developer Lovell, said: “Having worked extensively with the council on its successful new build homes programme, we’re delighted to be starting work on this latest scheme for North Lanarkshire which will add to the number of attractive affordable homes available locally.

“The development’s mix of modern well-designed, quality homes will make an important contribution to the continued vitality of the local community and we look forward to using our significant residential construction expertise to help it take shape.”

The Scottish Government contributes towards the development costs of each site.