The first residents have already moved into their new homes at Benthall Farm, following a partnership between South Lanarkshire Council and Taylor Wimpey.

Social housing will be delivered in the area as part of the council’s Homes+ new build housing programme, which continues to deliver high quality new homes in towns across South Lanarkshire.

The Benthall Farm social housing development is the result of planning laws that places an obligation on private developers to make affordable housing contribution in the areas in which they are building. For this development, a partnership has been created between the council and Taylor Wimpey to deliver 67 affordable homes.

Residents have already moved into properties that were handed over in September 2021 and a further 14 residents will be moving into their new homes before Christmas 2021. The remaining properties are scheduled for completion in early 2022.

The new homes are designed in a range of innovative and flexible styles to suit different needs.

One of the new residents, James Slaven, said: “I am over the moon with this property, I’m really happy and it’s a great standard.”

Councillor Josh Wilson, chair of the council’s housing and technical resources committee, said: “I am delighted to see council housing for rent being delivered by Taylor Wimpey on this site. We have already successfully delivered a significant number of new housing developments across South Lanarkshire.”

Daniel Lowe, executive director of housing and technical services, added: “The construction of all properties at this development, like many other sites delivered in partnership with private developers, features a tenure neutral approach where the private housing is indistinguishable from social housing.

“Benthall Farm is a mixed community development which will enable people of different ages and lifestyles to share the benefits of well-designed housing and the external environment which meet their needs now and in the future.”

Annette Finnan, head of housing services, commented: “The project is supported by almost £4m of Scottish Government grant funding and the properties will be added to the council’s target to supply 1000 additional homes for rent by 2022.

“The mix of different types of homes demonstrates the Council’s continuing commitment to meeting key priorities in our Local Housing Strategy which include increasing the supply of affordable housing to meet a wide range of needs especially in pressured areas such as East Kilbride.”

Alison Henderson, special projects manager for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “The completion and handover of the first 17 affordable homes of the total 67 homes that will be delivered for social rent at Benthall Farm signals a key milestone for this flagship development in East Kilbride. It is also the result of true partnership working and delivery between ourselves and the council. These homes contribute to the wider masterplan vision and framework for the new and growing community at Benthall Farm.

“In overall terms our Benthall Farm development is bringing significant investment and creating local jobs across the area, including some exciting opportunities for young apprentices, and we’ll continue to work closely with South Lanarkshire Council and the local community to ensure East Kilbride reaps the benefits of our long-term investment in the area.”