A second council is considering using ‘pod’ homes to combat homelessness and temporary accommodation issues.
Thanet District Council (TDC) has confirmed it will be looking into purchasing some of the pre-fabricated residences.
Councillors will discuss the proposals and the purchase of other properties around the district at a meeting next week.
Council officer Ashley Jackson said in a report: “We are considering whether the temporary use of land offers an opportunity for small schemes built through modern methods of construction, such as prefabricated pods.
“The advantage of using this form of design is that, where possible, the pods can be relocated to another site once the ‘meanwhile’ time comes to an end and a more permanent solution is implemented on the site.”
No details relating to what a scheme might cost or potential locations have been established by the council.
Ashford Borough Council craned in homes purchased from company ZedPods in March.
They are designed to be an energy-efficient alternative to new builds and will be constructed in a three-storey block as part of a £7.4m scheme.
The 23-pods will soon welcome the first residents which are located in a car park on the Henwood Industrial Estate.
The finishing touches are being put to the units, which are due to be completed imminently.
People who could benefit from the scheme previously told KentOnline they were extremely keen on the proposals describing it as “better than being homeless”.
The TDC report continued: “A scheme in Ashford is an example of a site that will work well, following in the steps of other schemes delivered in Bristol and Bromley.
“This is something the council is exploring, mindful that panellised solutions – where a product is brought to the site effectively flat-packed – might need to be considered given how tight some of Thanet’s roads are.”
TDC has already purchased various properties around the district to combat lengthy temporary accommodation lists.
At next Thursday’s meeting, councillors are set to approve buying 11 homes at the Westwood Point development.
They have already shelled out for a former guest house in Truro Road, Ramsgate, six homes in Margate Road and a building in Edgar Road, which is currently being used as RISE’s base – the council’s multi-agency rough sleeping project.
