The design standard was first introduced in 2015 to ensure social homes being developed in West Dunbartonshire provided tenants with a welcoming and safe home environment regardless of age, ability or health.

Now, as well as exceeding statutory requirements for floor space, accessibility and energy efficiency, Council homes will also help address the need for larger family homes by encouraging developers to develop a better match of housing mix with identified need.

In addition, the updated design standard will ensure all newly developed homes will be net zero; have measures which improve accessibility to bathroom and shower facilities as tenants’ needs change; and have environmental sensors fitted to allow tenants to track temperature and humidity to prevent condensation.

The new Standard was agreed at the Housing and Communities Committee this week and will be applied to any new projects receiving funding approval from the Affordable Housing Supply Programme from 1 April 2024.

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, convener of housing and communities, said: “This Design Standard will be extremely beneficial to our tenants and future tenants as it will enhance the already high standard of our homes and ensure that they are future-proofed for long-term use. We are committed to improving the lives of our tenants and we are proud of the steps we have taken so far to ensure our housing is not only affordable but also pleasant to live in.

“This extension of the design standard shows our strong commitment to providing not just houses, but homes.”

Councillor Hazel Sorrell, vice convener of Housing and Communities, added: “The Council’s new homes are already of a very high quality thanks to the original design standard which brought about requirements including a home office space, energy use monitoring devices and kitchens with dining space. I look forward to seeing residents enjoy their homes at the various sites being developed across West Dunbartonshire in the coming years.”