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Modular Housing: Lessons learnt (so far) from a planning consultant’s perspective

Modular housing is becoming key to the success of residential development in Bristol and is a theme running throughout this month’s Bristol Housing Festival. Having worked on several modular housing projects across the South West, Associate Director, Amy Cooper shares her insights on the key lessons she’s learnt so far.

The benefits of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are well known, with delivery in a factory setting creating efficiencies and regulation of build quality, along with reduced construction impacts due to the pace of build.

Having been lucky enough to be involved in gaining planning permission for the delivery of affordable modular housing, including working on the Zedpods Hope Rise and BoKlok on the Brook projects, it is high time I shared my perspective as a planning consultant in the sector, with three key lessons learnt and solutions to challenges.

Lesson 1: the solution?

• Ensure all parties are aligned towards the end goal
• Include more information than is usually required to validate a planning application to reduce the number of conditions
• If feasible, enter into a Planning Performance Agreement

Lesson 2: the solution?

• ‘Quirks’ can easily be considered and addressed during the scheme's master planning and design evolution
• Engage early with council officers to enhance understanding

 Lesson 3: the solution?

• Education. Those in the industry should contribute to a systemic change through discussion and early engagement with stakeholders, including a willingness to share technical detail with council officers.  

For more information on MMC please contact Amy Cooper.

We’ll be publishing content throughout October focussing on the ambitions and challenges of the housing market in Bristol. Visit our web page for more information.

14 October 2021