Tom Leggeat

Last November a meeting of West Lothian Council’s executive agreed to sell 11 acres of land to the housebuilder for a price announced at the time of £430,000.

The sale of land is now concluded and Springfield will move forward with its own plans in the next few months.

Springfield already owns one property in Deans South and has now purchased the council’s land interests, which includes 46 unoccupied council-owned properties with a view to developing 136 new homes (of which 127 will be of social rent, and nine new homes for the existing private owners) on the site.

Executive councillor for services for the community, George Paul, said: “The council is delighted to have reached this point.

“The redevelopment of Deans South has proven challenging over the years but everyone wants to see a successful regeneration of the area.

“This deal with Springfield Properties represents a positive outcome for all parties.

“The successful regeneration of Deans South will be aided by Springfield Properties and the remaining residents reaching an agreement.

“We certainly wish all parties well and hope a successful conclusion can be reached.

“Livingston has by far the highest demand for affordable housing in West Lothian and the continued work regenerating Deans South can play a significant part in helping to address this shortfall.”

Springfield Partnerships managing director, Tom Leggeat, added: “There is a significant opportunity to create a thriving community within Deans South that local people can be proud of.

“We have a strong track record for delivering high-quality homes in places that people want to live, and we are keen to show residents, and the wider community, the vision we have for the area.

“We are excited to continue to work with residents and West Lothian Council as we develop our proposals further.”

Deans South is currently undergoing a regeneration programme that will see more than 200 affordable homes built.

As part of the first phase of the programme, the council has already built 54 new council homes on part of the estate and work commenced on a further 29 affordable homes last month.