The Scottish Government has requested that all local authorities submit a five-year SHIP which will augment their current Local Housing Strategies.

The major objective of the SHIP is for local authorities, in conjunction with registered social landlords (RSLs), to ascertain the viability of current and future social housing investment opportunities.

The meeting heard that RSL partners have identified a number of development opportunities and the council also has an ambitious programme of new build council housing which aims to see a total of 3,000 new homes delivered from 2012-2022.

West Lothian Development Alliance (WLDA), Places for People/Castle Rock Edinvar, Wheatley Group (West Lothian Housing Partnership and Dunedin Canmore Housing Association), Cairn Housing Association, Home Group and Ark Housing Association have all identified potential sites.

Meanwhile, West Lothian Council has approved development for 168 affordable homes across the area as part of its own new build programme which will aim to deliver 250 new homes in the next phase.

Council sites will include Vion, Broxburn; Standhill, Bathgate; Brucefield, Livingston; Mossend, West Calder and Eagle Brae, Livingston.

Further sites for up to 82 properties have been identified in Bathgate and a site for specialist housing provision at Cawburn Road has also been included for people with complex needs.

Executive councillor for services for the community, George Paul, said: “West Lothian has one of the most ambitious targets for delivering social housing in the country. The Strategic Housing Investment Plan presents an opportunity to set out key investment priorities for affordable housing and demonstrate how these will be delivered.

“This also enables the council and RSL partners to develop a more strategic approach to the development of sites in West Lothian.”