Sandwell Council is to buy 41 sustainable ‘modular’ homes in Smethwick, England, to boost its housing stock and replace properties lost to the controversial right to buy scheme.
Dash.com tells MHProNews that the homes are being built by Mar City Homes, Ltd, using a modular construction system, meaning they are made indoors in factory conditions and then transported and assembled on permanent foundations on site.
Councillor Ian Jones, cabinet member for jobs and economy, who has responsibility for the scheme, said “The demand for affordable family housing continues to grow in Sandwell and along with the need to replace the properties lost from our housing stock under the right to buy scheme, some tenants need more suitable accommodation following the introduction of welfare reform.”
The local authority is set to buy 19 two-bedroom, 18 three-bedroom and 4 four-bedroom properties off-plan, with the remainder of the homes being sold by the developer on the open market.
The modular system means the homes can be built far more quickly than the traditional ‘wet’ build system, producing new homes in weeks instead of months, the council says.
Made from the same high quality, enduring materials as regular houses, the homes are also more affordable, energy efficient and generate virtually zero-waste on site.
The properties are being built on the former Atlas Metals site in Cranford Street as part of a 142-home development.
Initial work to clear the site and prepare for the start of the build is already underway, with the council homes expected to be completed in Summer 2015. The properties will be made available for rent to council tenants.
Tony Ryan, chief executive of Mar City Homes, said, “Mar City strongly believes modular construction is the future of UK housebuilding, and we are delighted to showcase our innovative method through our partnership with Sandwell Council.”
“We are committed to building homes that benefit people’s lives and communities and we look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship with Sandwell Council. By employing modular technology, we are able to deliver economically and energy efficient homes,” he explained. ##
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
