Are modular homes the solution to London's temporary housing crisis?

"London is at the centre of the UK's homelessness crisis, with an estimated 183,000 people one in every 50 Londoners, including one in 21 children living in temporary accommodation. Local authorities with an obligation to shelter the 73,000 households who don't have a stable roof over their heads are collectively spending 114million a month on hostels, hotels and B&Bs due to a shortage of suitable accommodation."

"To combat this growing problem, City Hall has approved the rollout of modular homes effectively like flat pack homes that are made in sections in factories then transported to be put together on site with the first to be delivered in Havering later this year. Developed alongside Wates Residential and Rollalong, the quickly and cheaply built housing units are seen as an immediate relief while officials look for a long-term solution to London's homelessness problem."

"Each property includes a fully fitted kitchen with a dishwasher, washer-dryer and fridge-freezer, and a bathroom with a fully sized bath. The home has a 60-year lifespan, with residents expected to live there for up to six years before the unit is moved to another available site. They will likely be used on vacant brownfield land owned by the Greater London Authority until that plot is developed on."

An estimated 183,000 people in London live in temporary accommodation, including one in 21 children, and local authorities must shelter 73,000 households. Councils are spending £114 million per month on hostels, hotels and B&Bs because of a shortage of suitable accommodation. City Hall approved the rollout of factory-built modular homes developed with Wates Residential and Rollalong, with the first delivery scheduled for Havering and a prototype to tour the UK. Each relocatable unit includes a full kitchen and bathroom, has a 60-year lifespan, and is designed for residents to stay up to six years while councils reuse sites as needed.

Read at www.standard.co.uk