'Pod' housing proposed for city's homeless

Modular "pod" homes could be built to help 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 local authorities and charities.

City of Lincoln Council has confirmed it is one of the options being explored.

The authority also said it was in talks with the owner of the former Debenhams store in St Mark's shopping centre and the University of Lincoln about other housing opportunities.

Modular homes have been supported by the Local Government Association, which says the quick construction times and lower costs could help cash-strapped councils, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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 for people it has a legal duty to shelter.

However, Darren Turner, City of Lincoln Council's director of housing and investment, said using temporary accommodation was a “double-edged sword” as they preferred to invest in long-term homes for residents in need.

Councillor Gary Hewson told the meeting 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 large student buildings which were not fully occupied.

The council was also “talking about what we could potentially do” with the former Debenhams building, which has been empty since 2021.

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