A pioneering proposal to allocate over £2 million towards modular, self-contained accommodation is set to be discussed by Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet.
The initiative could potentially save the council up to £326,000 annually and alleviate the use of hotels and B&Bs to house homeless families.
Scheduled for discussion on Wednesday, November 15th, the proposal is part of a broader £17 million affordable housing programme. The Council will deliberate authorising the purchase of modular units, each estimated to cost between £85,000 and £130,000. A budget of up to £2.1 million has been earmarked for this purpose.
Modular units have gained traction among various local councils as a practical solution for housing families and individuals facing homelessness. In Swindon last year, over 100 families found accommodation in hotels and temporary residences, costing the council approximately £1,700 per family per month.
The introduction of off-site manufactured, self-contained living units is envisaged to diversify the Council’s accommodation options, thereby diminishing the necessity for more expensive hotel and B&B lodgings and resulting in substantial financial savings.
Several vacant sites within the Borough have been identified for potential use, pending appraisal and suitability assessments.
In addition to the modular homes proposal, the Council’s Cabinet will consider approving a £13.8 million investment, partially supported by Homes England, to develop 43 homes at three locations across the Borough.
These include 19 units (£5.9 million) at the former Whitbourne House care home site in Park South, 10 units (£3.5 million) on a garage block site in Wingfield Avenue, Penhill, and an additional 14 units (£4.4 million) adjacent to Nationwide’s Oakfield development, off Marlowe Avenue.
The Whitbourne House project aims to offer inter-generational homes, and accommodation for those aged 16 and over, as well as options for single individuals, couples, and families. The Wingfield development will contribute much-needed family-sized accommodation, while the Oakfield scheme targets housing for people with disabilities.
The comprehensive affordable housing programme also earmarks £1.1 million to repurpose Salzgitter Court, a sheltered housing scheme in Toothill, into more suitable accommodation. This decision stems from the current scheme’s failure to meet modern standards, lacking a lift and predominantly featuring bed-sit accommodation. The Council ensures that all tenants will be relocated to housing better suited to their needs.
Councillor Janine Howarth, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, expressed the Council’s commitment to addressing homelessness, commenting that the proposed investment in modular, self-contained accommodation is a cost-effective solution. Howarth stated, “It forms an important part of our affordable housing programme, which aims to provide more homes for residents in Swindon who need them, aligning with our three missions to reduce inequality, build a better Swindon and achieve net zero.”
