Planning permission granted for a pilot modular home scheme in Havering

The London Borough of Havering and our Residential business have received planning approval for 18 modular homes on the Waterloo and Queen Street Estate in Romford, marking a milestone for the pilot project aimed at transforming temporary housing across London.
The scheme is part of the wider regeneration joint venture between Havering Council and our Residential business that will deliver up to 5,000 new homes across the borough. It also represents a bold step in wider efforts to tackle spiralling housing costs and demand, which costs councils across the country £2.1 billion annually and has resulted in a record number of children living in hotels and B&Bs.
We have worked with architects, suppliers, planners, manufacturers and local councils to develop this modular solution. As pre-designed standard houses, they are twice as fast to construct, allowing the flexibility to relocate homes where necessary. Our modular homes also have energy-efficient designs with low carbon footprints and involve minimal on-site work.
Built to the same standards as permanent housing, the homes will include modern amenities, private bedrooms, family bathrooms, and kitchen and living spaces, helping restore stability to those facing housing insecurity.
Modular homes have a design quality regulation of up to 60 years, meaning that while they provide temporary relief to their inhabitants, they are a long-term solution for councils.
Cllr Graham Williamson
Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration
Paul Nicholls
Regional Managing Director for London, Wates Residential