The council's housing and social work services committee last week agreed funding plans for the project and are currently seeking tenders to build 20 homes on Spruce Way and Main Street, Holytown, and 20 on the site of the former Cambusnethan Primary School.

Most of the new build will be amenity housing for older people and additional sites for 15 to 20 houses in Motherwell and 15 in Viewpark or Tannochside have still to be identified as well as sites in Cumbernauld, Chryston, Airdrie and Coatbridge.

If further funding can be identified the total number of houses could rise to 160.

It's only recently that local authorities have had the resources to build new homes again, following many years of their housing stocks falling through right to buy legislation.

Councillor Barry McCulloch, convener of the housing and social work services committee, said: "Last year the council announced plans for new build homes in the area and work has been ongoing to progress this ambitious programme.

"Managing a housing stock of around 38,000, North Lanarkshire Council is Scotland's largest local authority landlord and the new build project is just one element of the strategy the council has to increase the availability of affordable housing in priority areas.

"For example, given the demand for affordable housing in the area the council is currently developing a policy to help secure land in high pressure areas for new build housing.

"There's lots going on in the area to not only ensure the provision of suitable accommodation but to invest in our housing stock to ensure quality, affordable accommodation is available for those who need it most."