Plans are in place to build 20 new homes on the site - a mix of cottage flats, semi-detached bungalows and wheelchair accessible bungalows.

The properties form part of the council’s NL Homes house building programme which will see 2,150 homes built by 2027.

Cutting the sod was Councillor Allan Graham, convener of enterprise and housing committee, and joining him was local councillor, Martin McCulloch. Also attending were representatives from North Lanarkshire Council and developer Lovell.

Councillor Graham said: “It’s great to see the progress that is being made across so many sites in North Lanarkshire as part of our NL Homes Programme.

“Not only do these developments provide quality homes for local people but they also provide regeneration opportunities on a number of vacant sites within the council area. I look forward to seeing the homes taking shape and becoming part of a vibrant housing community.”

The development is being delivered by Lovell and is expected to be completed by summer 2018.

Stephen Profilli, regional managing director for Lovell in Scotland, said: “We have been working with North Lanarkshire Council for almost 13 years so we are very pleased to be working together again to deliver much-needed homes in Harthill. Built to the Building Standards Sustainability Level of Silver, when finished the mixture of cottage flats and semi-detached amenity bungalows will provide energy-efficient and modern living suited to the varying needs of residents.

“Lovell has considerable experience delivering well-designed, modern and energy-efficient housing, and we are excited to be assisting in the delivery of a further 30 new homes for social rent in Cumbernauld and 14 new homes as part of North Lanarkshire’s ongoing programme to address the shortage of high-quality affordable housing in the area.”

Des Murray, assistant chief executive, enterprise and housing resources, added: “All our new homes are built with energy efficiency in mind. In addition, they meet Housing for Varying Needs specification which means homes are more accessible to adapt to tenants’ mobility needs. The homes are also ‘Secured by Design’ accredited, which involves Police Scotland architectural liaison officers having input into the layout and designs to ensure we build safe and secure environments.

“We’re proud of our new build homes and I’m confident we will continue to make significant progress in improving local communities across North Lanarkshire and the lives of our tenants.”

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