PLANS to build more than 1,600 new council houses across North Ayrshire are well on  target, according to a new report.

North Ayrshire Council (NAC) has made a commitment to develop 1,625 new homes in the area by 2028 - and as of March 31, 831 had been completed, just short of halfway towards the final goal.

Following the completion of each new site, the council design teams assess each project’s success in delivering places people can be proud of, as part of their lessons-learned review.

The council has developed a range of standard house types, designed in partnership with occupational therapists from its housing service, to ensure that they can adapt to tenants’ changing needs.

All council housing will meet the Scottish Government’s ‘Greener Standard’ and obtain Police Scotland’s ‘Secured by Design’ accreditation.

The council will also ensure that its sheltered housing is developed using dementia-friendly design principles.

Local residents and the wider community are invited to comment on the draft and final proposals for each development as they gather newbuild tenant satisfaction surveys.

The council will ensure all new build housing utilises net zero direct emissions heating systems in accordance with building standards.

A specially-designed energy strategy has been created for each emerging new housing development to ensure that the heating options for the sites are both energy efficient and affordable for tenants.

Meanwhile, build-to-rent ‘Housing to 2040’ recognises build-to-rent as an attractive option for many investors.

It is seen as a way of improving the private rented sector because investors are more likely to develop long-term strategic management approaches, whilst continuing to invest in their assets to retain future sale values.

This type of housing, like all private investment decisions, is governed by market influences.

The North Ayrshire market rent levels make this type of housing challenging to deliver at an affordable level.

Council chiefs will consult interested parties to determine whether this model of provision is viable.

The report states: "High-quality places are safe, easy to move around, provide people with access to services, employment, education, and other opportunities, as well as influencing people to live more healthily and sustainably.

"A good place has areas where communities can gather for mutual support and self-help. This reduces isolation and loneliness and creates vibrant sustainable neighbourhoods with a feeling of community."

Tackling crime and increasing perceptions of personal safety are also described as important steps towards the long-term sustainability of a community, backed by the Safer North Ayrshire strategy.