MORE than 800 homes are set to be made available across West Dunbartonshire over the next five years.

The move is part of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2024-2029 which was recently announced by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC).

It is part of a new affordable housing plan which aims to develop 500 new affordable homes as well as buy back 300 properties.

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, convener of housing and communities, said: “This is an ambitious plan and one which will make a huge difference to West Dunbartonshire.

“All homes in the programme will meet the council’s innovative Housing Design Standard and the highest levels of energy efficiency will also be encouraged, with an air quality sensor in each home.”

The SHIP details the projects, both council and housing association, likely to receive Scottish Government grant funding.

Despite economic uncertainty and high inflation, it is hoped to deliver an ambitious programme of new build homes across the local authority.

Priority will be given to regeneration areas and all projects will be required to provide at least ten percent specialist or fully wheelchair-accessible housing.

Both the new build and the buyback programmes will prioritise house types which contribute to identified needs including the supply of larger family homes and preventing homelessness.

WDC is the biggest developer in the programme with around 250 of the new homes being built across locations including Pappert, Mount Pleasant, and Willox Park.

Councillor Hazel Sorrell, vice convener of housing and communities, added: “I’m pleased that this plan is taking into consideration the types and styles of home that are most needed in our community, and working alongside partners to ensure that these can be delivered.

“We have a number of new developments already on site or due to be on site early next year and I look forward to seeing our tenants in them.”