Lincoln council looking into modular 'pod' homes to solve demand

Modular ‘pod’ homes could be built to meet the demand for temporary housing in Lincoln. The pre-fabricated buildings which can be assembled on-site are seen as a solution to homelessness by some location authorities and charities.

City of Lincoln Council has confirmed they are one of the options being explored. The authority is also talking to the owner of the former Debenham’s in St Mark’s shopping centre and the University of Lincoln about other housing opportunities.

Darren Turner, the authority’s director of housing and investment, filled the council's housing committee in on the latest details at a meeting on Monday (November 25). “We are looking at modular construction, as pods can be built very quickly to form temporary accommodation,” he told the meeting.

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“There are a number of councils looking into this, and East Lindsey District Council has recently got permission for pods on a car park site in a town centre.” He added that acquiring temporary accommodation was a “double edged sword” as the authority preferred to invest in long-term homes for residents in need.

Modular homes have been supported by the Local Government Association, which says that the quick construction times and lower costs could help cash-strapped councils. They can also be moved easily from site to site as required.

If built, pre-made pods could reduce Lincoln council's reliance on hotels and B&Bs for people it has a legal duty to shelter. Councillor Gary Hewson (Lab) told the meeting that the need for temporary accommodation was putting financial pressure on the council.

“We get nowhere near the amount from the government to supply temporary accommodation that it costs us,” he said. He suggested the council should look to the large student buildings which weren’t fully occupied.

Mr Turner said they regularly talk with Lincoln University, but it was difficult to predict the student population size year-to-year. The council was also “talking about what we could potentially do” with the former Debenhams building, which has been empty since 2021.