Joining them were Hub South East, the council’s development partner leading on the project, and Connect Modular, the main construction contractor.

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of 18 houses, 30 flats and one staff building with landscaping, car parking and associated works at Almondvale Crescent in Livingston. It is anticipated that works will begin on site in summer 2024.

The development will see West Lothian Council become one of the first councils in the country to use modular construction to build housing.

Plans for the supported housing for young people consists of 28 one bed flats. Flexible office space will be provided for staff members along with staff overnight accommodation to provide dedicated space and privacy, whilst still being on hand to assist and support the young people develop the skills they need to live and manage their home independently.

The affordable housing element of the development will provide 20 homes consisting of 18 houses (a mix of two and three bed homes) and two flats.

Executive councillor for housing services, George Paul, joined representatives from the council and partners Hub South East and Modular Connect on a visit to the site.

Cllr George Paul said: “It is recognised that there is a need to increase social housing options in Livingston, especially for young people.

“I was pleased to meet representatives from our construction partners during a visit to the site and look forward to working with them to deliver these new homes for Livingston.”

Andrew Thornton, Hub South East’s projects director, added: “We’re proud to be delivering our first housing project for West Lothian Council, continuing a successful partnership which has delivered a number of high quality, well designed and award winning facilities.

“As a true development partner, providing innovative solutions for clients is a key driver for Hub South East and we are delighted to be working with Connect Modular as we embrace new opportunities through off-site manufacturing to deliver this new housing development. We look forward to making these exciting plans a reality.”

Acting CEO of Connect Modular, Richard Reid, commented: “Connect Modular is delighted to be working in partnership with Hub South East and West Lothian Council on this high profile affordable housing project in Livingston town centre.

“The project team has adopted our standard design house types for the family homes and we have been working collaboratively on bespoke modular designs for the 28 cottage flats that are set to provide supported accommodation for young people.

“We are excited to get construction underway in our factory in the coming months, as our slick volumetric modular process promises to deliver the 49 new homes at speed.

“Modular construction holds immense potential to transform the provision of affordable housing in Scotland and Connect Modular is proud to be leading the way, with the support of progressive partners like West Lothian Council and Hub South East on this exciting new development.”