The £9.3 million project - which is being delivered in partnership with Wilson Developments (Scotland) Limited, North Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government - will consist of 48 energy efficient family homes and is a mix of houses and cottage flats.

Demand for modern energy efficient affordable social rented properties in Bellshill is high, and the need for quality new affordable housing for families is recognised within North Lanarkshire Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan.

Around one-third of Trust’s 3,700 homes are already located in North Lanarkshire, including two later living developments in Bellshill. This development will enhance housing choice in Bellshill, where there are currently more than 1,600 people currently on the waiting list for these types of homes.

The new homes at Reema Road are designed to be highly energy efficient and incorporate net zero heating systems, helping reduce carbon emissions and alleviate fuel poverty. The development will also regenerate a vacant brownfield site which has been lying derelict for a number of years.

Providing and investing in affordable homes that meet the needs and aspirations of its communities is a key part of Trust’s purpose. Trust’s new build programme is critical to this and they’re building homes for not only their customers today but also future generations. The Reema Road project helps to contribute towards Trust’s continued new build growth plans within North Lanarkshire, having recently completed 42 new homes at Park Place in Wishaw.

Trust has also negotiated a £50,000 Community Benefits payment within the development agreement with Wilson Developments and these funds will enhance Trust’s Community Hardship Fund, which supports Trust customers most in need of support with essential household expenditure.

Jackie McIntosh, director of assets and sustainability at Trust, said: “We are delighted to have received planning permission and board approval for our Reema Road development in Bellshill. We have been working in partnership on this project with Wilson Developments for over two years and are hopeful that a site start can at last begin in June 2024.

“These energy efficient homes will transform this derelict site and provide much needed family homes within walking distance to Bellshill town centre and all its’ amenities.”

Steven Wilson, manging director at Wilson Developments, said: “Securing planning for Reema Road is a tremendous achievement. We’ve faced numerous challenges throughout the planning process, but our focus on providing 48 high-quality residential properties for social rent, alongside the unwavering support of Trust, has allowed us to overcome these hurdles and deliver a project that will truly benefit the Bellshill & the wider North Lanarkshire community.”