A DEVELOPER is aiming to bring forward an estate’s regeneration by building hundreds of prefabricated homes off site.

Swan Housing Association is aiming to start building about 500 homes out of a factory in Basildon over the next five years.

The precise location of the factory in Basildon has yet to be revealed, but the firm is hoping the project’s pilot will start in January.

The work is expected to get into full-swing in time for next summer.

The Echo understands the firm is also looking to create 40 jobs under the scheme.

It was announced last month that Swan had applied to Basildon Council to build up to 587 houses on the former Craylands and Fryerns estates, on the corner of East Mayne and Broadmayne.

It is the next phase of a £200million regeneration which will now see 970 new properties built on the site, now known as Beechwood Village.

Kevin Blake, deputy leader of Basildon Council, says he welcomes the scheme, and believes the modern standard of prefabricated homes is “out of this world.”

Mr Blake refuted claims that the move could be a return to the days of prefab homes built to get Britain back on its feet after the Second World War.

He said: “The technology that goes into these homes is amazing and very sophisticated and nothing like the ones built after the war.

“The delivery of the homes will of course be scrutinised by the development control committee, so we’ll be making sure they meet the required standard.”

Geoff Pearce, executive director development and regeneration at Swan, says the firm is “committed to delivering innovation” and was very excited by the project.

He said: “We already have our own in-house skilled construction team and as both the constructor and developer of the homes, we are perfectly placed to manage the process of building homes off-site efficiently and to the highest standards.”

Echo: