Call on Boris to spearhead modular 'goldmine'

A report by Andrew Boff, leader of the Great London Authority Conservative housing group, claimed offsite modular housing could cut the price of renting by a third.

He championed offsite methods as “cheap and flexible” for small developers and self-builders.

The report pointed to offsite constructed apartments in Mitcham that were being rented at £148 a week, well below the local market average of £210.

Boff said modern “pop-up” homes were often indistinguishable from standard homes and can take a third of the time to construct.

“This realistic and sustainable housing solution is an untapped goldmine,” he added.

“The London Land Commission recently identified space for 130,000 new homes on public land and previous reports have shown there is potential for at least 10,000 homes on small disused sites across the capital.

“Why not utilise these spaces now by erecting high-quality, desirable homes that are genuinely affordable?

“I will be pressing the mayor of London to work with local authorities to spearhead the adoption of pop-up housing across London.”

The report follows Legal & General’s announcement of its £500m push into offsite construction, with plans to build the largest housebuilding factory in Europe.