Hundreds of modular affordable homes to be delivered on rooftops in Newham

Existing tenants in the selected blocks would be the first to be offered the new London Affordable Rent homes, freeing up council homes for those on Newham’s housing waiting list.

The new homes will be built to zero-carbon standards and will also be cheaper to run for residents.

Upgrades to the existing blocks would be carried out as part of the programme in order to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

Analysis by Populo suggests that this approach could reduce the cost of building social housing by up to 25%.

Newham Council plans to invest £1.4bn in Populo’s housing projects over the next 15 years, with a target that 50% of the homes delivered by Populo will be set at social rent levels.

Rokhsana Fiaz, mayor of Newham, said: “This exciting project will help deliver new affordable homes whilst reducing our carbon footprint and costs for the council.

“I am committed to delivering more than 1,000 new social rent homes by March 2022. I’m proud that the council is embracing innovative technologies to deliver high-quality, new, affordable homes quickly.

“This project has huge potential to deliver thousands of homes across the borough over the next few years.”

Shaban Mohammed, cabinet member for housing services at Newham Council, said: “As lead member for housing services l am very excited by the airspace projects taking place in the borough that will not only add much-needed housing stock but also make homes more energy efficient and greener. This will be the next stage in council home evolution.”