They will be built at Silver Royd Hill and Evelyn Place in Wortley, as well as on the former Waterloo Primary School site in Pudsey.

Senior councillors are expected to give the go-ahead for a total of 77 homes to be built on three sites in west Leeds – and 27 of the new properties will be council houses.

Over the past two decades, the number of council properties in Leeds has fallen from over 90,000 to 58,000 because of the right-to-buy legislation and demolitions.

Family-sized council homes in popular areas are now so sought after it is not uncommon for 300-400 people to put in bids for the tenancy when one becomes available.

A report to Leeds City Council's executive board said: "Although the pace of decline (in the number of council homes] has slowed in recent years, the pressure of council lettings has continued to increase, expressed in the high number of bids for properties and the waiting times for those in need."

The new homes are likely to be targeted at people over 55 years old to free up existing houses that are suitable for families.

Senior councillors announced last year that they were keen to build more council houses and the three sites identified are the first to be brought forward for development under the scheme.

Coun Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill), deputy leader of the council, said: "I am pleased that, following the announcements we made last year, renewing our commitment to build new council houses in Leeds, this report is coming before the Executive Board.

"It marks the first step in this administration's plan to radically change the housing landscape of Leeds, building new, high-quality and affordable council housing.

"It is imperative that as a council we do all we can to ensure that all residents of Leeds have suitable accommodation.

"I am pleased that we are making progress in this area and I look forward to announcing many more schemes like this in the future."