Modular housing considered to ease homes pressures

An investigation has been launched into which building methods are appropriate for Guernsey

Modern methods of construction, such as modular housing, are being considered as possible solutions to Guernsey’s housing supply pressures.

The Committee for Environment and Infrastructure has launched an investigation into which methods are appropriate for Guernsey, as well as how they could be supplied, delivered and installed.

Suitability would depend on factors including transport logistics, building regulations and longevity, officials said.

Committee President Lindsay de Sausmarez said the investigation was aiming to "deliver more good quality homes more quickly, and potentially even at a lower cost".

Deputy de Sausmarez said the local housing market had "long struggled to deliver enough new homes quickly enough to meet the island’s need".

She added that technology that claimed to accelerate the rate of delivery and keep costs down was something "we take a serious interest in".

She said: "When it comes to housing, speed of delivery is an important factor, but so is the safety and quality of the homes being built.

"We need to know whether modern methods of construction are safe and durable, and specifically which methods are most appropriate for Guernsey in the context of our local conditions and requirements, such as our climate, transport logistics and their deliverability through our local skills base."

Micro homes and pods

The committee said several modern approaches had been put forward for use locally, including volumetric modular, micro homes and pods.

It said the investigation intended to consider the full range of options available to see which methods were most suitable for Guernsey.

It added that the investigation would deliver workstream 1D of the Guernsey Housing Plan and followed on from other recently announced workstreams, including a review into downsizing and how to stimulate more and faster completion of private developments.