More than 100 temporary homes are being delivered in Northampton as West Northamptonshire Council looks to reduce its reliance on hotels and bed and breakfasts for people facing homelessness.
The first development, at Lings Park in Weston Favell, is nearing completion and will provide 38 two-bedroom apartments alongside a community hub, children’s play area, management office and laundry facilities.
Modular housing specialist Boost TA is delivering the homes alongside groundworks contractor Glympton Construction, with completion expected later this autumn.
A second 70-home development at Claret Park is also expected to complete later this year, taking the two schemes to 108 homes.
EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION
The council says the programme will provide better-quality temporary housing while reducing the cost of placing families and individuals in hotels and B&Bs.
The Lings Park homes are designed to achieve EPC A ratings and incorporate solar panels and battery storage to reduce energy use and longer-term operating costs.
Councillor Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing at West Northamptonshire Council, says: “Too often, families can spend extended periods in unsuitable and costly emergency accommodation because there simply are not enough appropriate options available.
“These new homes will provide modern, energy-efficient accommodation that offers people dignity, stability and security at a difficult time in their lives.”
MODULAR HOMES
Giles Donovan, co-founder of Boost TA, says councils across England are facing increasing pressure from rising demand for temporary accommodation.
He adds: “Our approach is about providing a practical, long-term solution, delivering high-quality, sustainable homes quickly and efficiently.
“By using modern methods of construction and working collaboratively with our partners, we can rapidly create places that offer residents facing homelessness a safe and comfortable temporary home, while delivering real value for local authorities.”
Boost TA says it is now in discussions with a growing number of councils about delivering similar temporary accommodation schemes elsewhere in the country.
