WORK is set to start on a £5.1m Northolt new build scheme this spring.

Housing developer Lovell has been appointed by Ealing Council to create 43 energy efficient homes for social rent on Eastcote Lane.

The plan is to have 38 one and two bedroom apartments and five three and four bedroom houses, with completion in autumn 2014.

Properties will be built to level four of the Code for Sustainable Homes with energy saving features including photo voltaic roof panels.

Councillor Hitesh Tailor, Ealing’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Ealing has a clear housing vision and providing new affordable homes remains a priority.

“By working in partnership with Lovell to transform this former school site we’re making best use of our assets and helping meet the housing needs of our mixed and diverse communities. I look forward to their completion and welcoming our new residents.”

Peter Taylor, Lovell regional director, said they are delighted to be working with Ealing council again, helping deliver this modern development.

Welcoming the new project, councillor Chris Summers, Labour councillor for Northolt Mandeville, said: “I am delighted to see work is about to begin on these badly needed homes. For each of the 43 households it will be a new beginning, a chance to start afresh somewhere decent.

“Sadly the government’s obsession with the right to buy scheme means that the council’s housing stock will be depleted, even as we build these new homes.”

Mr Summers said the council are seeking names for the new properties.

He added: “A lot of roads and buildings in the area have horse racing connections because of the former Northolt Park racecourse opposite, so this development could have a name with equine connotations, or it could just be a name which local people feel is appropriate.”

He asked people to contact him directly by email or at the next ward forum in June.

Lovell has recently built two other housing schemes for Ealing council, a 15 home development at High Lane, Hanwell, and ten homes at Dabbs Hill Lane, Northolt.