Peacehaven modular homes craned into position

Three of the six new modular homes in Ashington Gardens in Peacehaven have been craned into position, as three more homes are planned this month

The modular homes are being built offsite by a specialist modular building company, Boutique Modern.

Councillor Ron Maskell, cabinet member for housing, said: "It was really exciting to see the homes leave the factory on the back of a lorry in the morning and be in position in Peacehaven the same day.

"I'm not aware of another council in the south-east that is as advanced as we are in the use of modular technology, and I've no doubt many of them will be looking at what we're doing with great interest."

Subject to planning, the council will move forward with 13 new modular homes in Newhaven later this year.

It was previously reported that the £2.2m project to build modern modular homes for temporary accommodation in Newhaven had been signed off by council leaders.

Lewes District Council says the plans, aim to address a shortage of temporary accommodation in the district

Cabinet members agreed to ignore the council's usual procurement rules, awarding the contract directly to Boutique Modern rather than seeking bidders from elsewhere in the country.

The council revealed this decision was due to the specialist nature of the project and the high cost of a shortage of temporary accommodation.

In comments to the Sussex Express, councillor Ron Maskell, cabinet member for housing, said: "We have a responsibility to provide accommodation for those households who are homeless, but currently there is very little temporary accommodation that we can use in the district.

"So consequently, and at significant cost we often have to use B&Bs and private sector housing in other neighbouring local authority areas.

"We can get the temporary housing built and in place quickly, which is great news for families in need of a home and for the new jobs created as a direct result of working with a local manufacturer."

(Pictured left to right: Cllr Ron Maskell, Lucas Shone from Boutique Modern, Cllr Elayne Merry, Cllr Andy Smith and Leighton Rowe, Development Manager at Lewes District Council.)