Ten new projects have been added to the list of strategic housing initiatives in North Lanarkshire.

The list, which will be submitted to the Scottish Government for approval, is predominantly initiatives from North Lanarkshire Council.

The local authority plans to purchase 250 empty homes, build housing on three former schools in Newmains and Coatbridge, build 24 homes at Dalzell Drive in Motherwell, and purchase properties in Ravenscraig, Newarthill and Shotts.

The list also includes Link Housing Association’s plans for 43 homes in Cumbernauld and Clyde Valley Housing Association’s intentions for 18 properties at Chryston Bowling Club.

Before members of NLC’s housing committee approved the projects, council leader Jim Logue highlighted that the council receives less money in grant funding than housing associations, with a base average rate of £83,000 versus £91,000 for a typical property, although extra funding is also provided to support improvements, for example meeting more energy efficient designs, providing balconies, study areas, or including automated fire suppression systems.

Although the amount of grant funding offered by the Scottish Government has increased, it has not kept pace with inflation which has seen a number of housing associations scale back their plans for new properties.