Housing facility for young people approved by West Lothian Council

The new development will consist of 28 houses specifically for young people with onsite support, including 16 flats which can be converted into mainstream housing in the future.The project will also provide 21 new council homes which will be available for mainstream housing with a mix of two and three bedroom houses. All accommodation will have parking and external spaces in line with new build standards.The joint £9.1 million project will be located at Almondvale Crescent, Livingston and both will be built as a single project which will deliver efficiencies both in terms of cost and time.The Council Executive has this week agreed to work with partners Hub South East to look at feasibility work on different construction methods to enable the project to be delivered within budget.An update will be bought back to the council in the Autumn with a recommended option once the feasibility work has been completed. The proposed new facility is subject to statutory consents being secured, including planning permission.Depute leader of West Lothian Council, Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan, said: “I believe it is vital that we continue to support young people who are experiencing hardship and cannot find alternative accommodation. The provision of additional housing is urgently required. Officers need to ensure that the solution that delivers best value for the council requires to be developed as part of the design process.“The site we have chosen is close to amenities with the college, hospital, transport and shopping facilities all within walking distance. These are all important factors in choosing a site that is specifically designed to help young people in need.”