Modular homes could tackle town's housing shortage

Modular, relocatable homes could be used to address the shortage of accommodation for homeless people in a town.

Planning documents recommend the approval of 108 homes to be placed at a former Northampton school site off Billing Brook Road and on the Claret Car Park near Sixfields stadium.

Northampton Academy objected to one of the sites overlooking school grounds, while two councillors raised concerns about industrial noise and a lack of access to services for tenants at the other location.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), which will discuss the plans on Thursday, said the homes would offer short-term accommodation for vulnerable people awaiting a more permanent solution.

An officer's report said each unit, manufactured off site, would offer areas for sleeping, cooking, washing and lounging, while all appliances would be factory-installed and ready to use as soon as the homes were connected.

Dallington Spencer councillor Sally Keeble described the car park site on Edgar Mobbs Way as "isolated" and that "care would need to be taken to ensure residents can access the services they need".

Fellow councillor John East warned tenants would be subject to noise and pollution from nearby industrial buildings, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, external.

Northampton Academy, which borders the old Lings Upper School site, said it was concerned about privacy and safeguarding due to the proximity of units overlooking school grounds.

The Reform UK-run council said this kind of housing would provide a cost-effective way of providing accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.

We used AI to help edit this article, and a BBC journalist checked it before publication. More on this AI pilot.