Ready-made modular homes considered as one answer to Bromley's housing problems

New plans to build up to 57 modular temporary accommodation homes in Anerley and Bushell Way took big steps forward on Tuesday night.

It comes as new figures show  1,570 households in temporary accommodation in the borough, with 994 in expensive forms paid by the night.

If current predictions are right, then the cost of temporary accommodation will rise by about £7m a year by 2022.

An average of 15 households a month are becoming homeless in Bromley – a figure expected to grow due to the controversial roll-out of Universal Credit.

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A report explains: “The level of housing need in Bromley is wider than just this too, as there is insufficient affordable housing to meet the current and emerging housing need.”

In a bid to tackle the problem councillors last night signed off on early plans to use factory built modular homes.

Supporters of modular homes see them as a vital tool for speeding up house building in the capital.

The ready-made one and two bedroom units can pop up wherever their delivery lorry can park.

A council report explains: “This form of construction can significantly reduce the speed at which the residential units can be developed as ground works and off-site construction can happen simultaneously.”

The council has earmarked Anerley Town Hall’s overflow car park and Banbury House in Bushwell Way.

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A separate scheme is also being brought forward for York Rise in Orpington, but the site is more complex according to the council.

The level of housing need in Bromley is wider than just this too, as there is  insufficient affordable housing to meet the current and emerging housing need.

At a meeting on April 7 councillors agreed to move £7.5m from its housing investment fund to get the scheme rolling.

Based on 57 units – which would be subject to planning applications – the council thinks it could save £590k a year.