The site, which was previously occupied by tenement flats, will deliver high quality, energy efficient homes in a range of two, three and four bedroom-sized homes.

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of the council, was joined at the site to view progress with Councillor Elena Whitham, cabinet member for housing and communities, and local members Councillors Ellen Freel, Gordon Jenkins and John McGhee.

Councillor Reid said: “Stewarton is an area where we have high demand for affordable housing. The site at David Dale Avenue can comfortably accommodate 34 new homes with associated landscaping. This development, which will be completed early in 2020, is going to help to regenerate this area of Stewarton and provide a wide range of home styles to meet the varying needs of our residents.

“Creating affordable homes, supporting the local building industry and creating jobs for local people; the housing building programme within East Ayrshire is changing both lives and the local townscape.”

CCG director Calum Murray said: “These new homes will be delivered to the highest standards of quality, environmental performance and, thanks to ‘offsite’ modern methods of construction, at speed with completion expected early next year. CCG will also provide a series of community benefit initiatives as a result of the project including the provision of jobs and training as well as donating toward the community with a recent example being the new football nets for Lainshaw Primary School.

“We look forward to working with our partner East Ayrshire Council and the local community as construction progresses.”

All the homes, which are being delivered through the Scottish Procurement Alliance, will meet Housing for Varying Needs and Secure by Design standards and Silver Standard accreditation.

The project is being developed as part of the Scottish Government’s target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes by 2021. It is in keeping with our vision – “Everyone in East Ayrshire to be able to afford and have access to a quality home that meets their needs and aspirations, and is located within a safe and attractive neighbourhood in which they are proud to live.”

The joint project team has agreed to a number of measures to improve communication with the local community regarding the disruption brought by the construction work.

CCG will be producing a monthly newsletter for distribution to residents and will be utilising social media to ensure that residents are aware of progress onsite.

The Ayrshire Roads Alliance has been liaising closely with the council, CCG, Scottish Water and housebuilding companies working within this area of Stewarton, to minimise disruption to residents.