Sandwell Council's cabinet has given the "green light" to a deal which will see 41 sustainable modular homes bought off-plan from a developer, boosting the council's housing stock.

The properties are being built on the former Atlas Metals site in Cranford Street, Smethwick by Mar City Homes Ltd - a recognised leader in the modular construction field - as part of their 142-home development. The council is buying 15 two-bedroom, 18 three-bedroom and four-bedroom properties with the reminder of the homes being sold by the developer on the open market. The homes are being built using a modular construction system, which means they are made indoors in factory conditions and then transported and assembled on permanent foundations on site. This means they can be built far more quickly than the traditional "wet" build system, producing new homes in weeks instead of months. Made from the same high quality, enduring materials as regular houses, they should not be confused with mobile or pre-fabricated homes. They are also more affordable, energy efficient and generate virtually zero-waste on site.

Initial work to clear the site and prepare for the start of the build is already underway with the council homes expected to be completed in summer 2015 when they will be added to Sandwell's housing and be available for rent to council tenants. The development also offers opportunities for construction training places and employment for local people and will boost the local economy by using local supply chains.

Councillor Ian Jones, cabinet member for jobs and economy, with responsibility for the scheme, said: "The demand for affordable family housing continues to grow in Sandwell and along with the need to replace the properties lost from our housing stock under the Right to Buy scheme, some tenants need more suitable accommodation following the introduction of welfare reform.

"By partnering with Mar City to provide much-needed homes, we are jointly regenerating the area with further regeneration to take place opposite this site when work commences on the proposed Midland Metropolitan hospital."

Tony Ryan, Chief Executive of Mar City Homes, said: "Mar City strongly believes modular construction is the future of UK house building and we are delighted to showcase our innovative method through our partnership with Sandwell Council. We are committed to building homes that benefit people's lives and communities and we look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship with Sandwell council.  By employing modular technology, we are able to deliver economically efficient and sustainable homes. "

Over 10 years, Sandwell Council is investing more than £500 million into house and flat improvements and replacing and building new homes.

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