A total of eight one-bedroom cottage flats and 12 two-bedroom cottage flats will be built by Lovell at Almond Link Road.

The development is due to be completed by March 2017.

Councillor George Paul said: “West Lothian Council is building 1,000 new council properties which will help alleviate some of the pressure on local people who find it difficult to find good quality affordable housing.

“The council is delighted that work at this site has now started. This site in Livingston is close to local amenities and also the landscape improvement works at Almondvale Park, including a new cycle path. It is a fantastic location which will help provide much needed affordable housing in Livingston.”

Lovell regional director, Alan Taylor, added: “We are proud to be working with West Lothian Council on this development which will create modern, energy-efficient new homes for local people in Livingston.”

The project is part of West Lothian Council’s aim to build 1,000 new council homes. Over 400 properties are already underway, with more new starts planned over the next few months.