The contract will see Lovell design and build 162 new council homes for social rent on five sites across the area.

The new developments include the site of the former Lammermuir House council offices in Livingston; Almond Link Road, Livingston; Nelson Park, Armadale; Windyknowe / Glasgow Road, Bathgate and Eastfield, Fauldhouse.

The schemes will create a mix of cottage flats and two-storey houses as well as bungalows. Construction work is set to start in spring 2015 with all the new homes set to be completed by 2017.

Executive councillor for services for the community, George Paul, said: “West Lothian Council are committed to providing communities with affordable housing and these homes will complement their communities and provide homes for many years to come.

“The council has plans to build 1,000 new homes by 2017, with each council ward area seeing developments. Building new homes is just one element to the council’s programme, however. There are a number of strands to the new build project including training and employment opportunities for local people and businesses.

“It is encouraging that a community benefit clause will be included as part of the tendering process.

“The variety of house types built on the five sites will enable families and individuals to be allocated housing that more effectively meets their housing needs. For some families moving to a new home has helped address issues of overcrowding, and others have been able to move to a smaller home that suits their needs.

“We have worked with Lovell to build new council homes over recent years and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with them. The standard of their work has been excellent at previous developments and we look forward to seeing these new homes completed.”

The work was awarded to Lovell through a competitive tendering process. In addition to creating high-quality new council homes Lovell will provide job and training opportunities locally including seven apprenticeships and six trainee jobs as well as 15 work placements allowing people in education to gain industry experience. As part of its Lovell Legacy commitment to extending the benefits of construction work to the community as a whole, Lovell will also work with local schools and support community organisations.

Lovell is now in its fourth year of working with West Lothian Council to help deliver its new-build homes programme through a framework agreement. Earlier this year, the company was also appointed by the council for three new contracts to build 443 council homes on sites at Bathgate, Blackburn, Pumpherston and Broxburn.

Lovell regional director Alan Taylor said: “We’re excited to be about to start our fifth year of working with West Lothian Council to create much-needed modern and high-quality council homes for local people and families. The long-term investment has also enabled us to bring significant and lasting benefits through jobs and training and this latest scheme will continue that commitment by creating apprenticeships and other opportunities for residents.”