A total of 79 units will be built at Morris Road in Newtongrange, supporting Midlothian Council’s Local Housing Strategy to deliver a high priority and cost-efficient contribution to local supply housing.

The development, which is expected to get underway this month, will provide a mix of two-storey houses, two and three-storey apartments and four in a block cottage flats, all designed to meet local housing needs.

The development, constructed by Hart Builders, will encompass high-quality homes with a modern design, enhancing comfort and incorporating energy efficient components.

Gill Henry, business development director of Hart Builders, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the project at Morris Road, and to continue our long-standing relationship with Midlothian Council. Close partnership working with the council over many years has allowed us to continually develop the quality and energy efficiency of the homes we build, for example adding features such as sprinklers and electric car charging points to ensure the new homes meet future safety and environmental regulation changes.

“As with all of our developments, we will work closely with the council to bring benefits to the wider Midlothian community. We will provide a number of initiatives on the project including jobs, work placements and training opportunities for people within the local area.”

Cllr Stephen Curran, the cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said: “This is a much- anticipated development in Newtongrange which will increase the stock of council housing in the area at a time when there is continued high demand for affordable homes.

“The addition of 79 high quality council houses will help meet the needs of local people who are finding it difficult to get onto the housing ladder. The wider community will also benefit from this development in terms of work and training opportunities which it brings to the area. We look forward to this project getting underway in the near future.”