A CONSTRUCTION and development business is challenging the way homes are built by launching a new trial programme to reduce build times by 40%.

Southdale, which has worked with Kirklees Council on several regeneration schemes, is planning the first of three schemes under its Fastbuild programme – aiming to build homes in 12 weeks on sites in Yorkshire, the North East and North West.

If the scheme is successful, Southdale believes it will develop best practice and highlight how the industry is in a strong position to increase the number of homes it can deliver – at a time when housing demand is outstripping the numbers of homes being built.

The trial will also help to identify how construction costs can be reduced and efficiencies improved – in line with Government targets.

Southdale managing director Paul Moore said: “The average time taken to build a home is 20 weeks, but by challenging that norm and thinking differently we have been able to develop this new trial programme with the potential of bringing that down to 12 weeks.

“It is simply a matter of organisation and scheduling as well as considering off-site works can be brought in to reduce such issues as waste.

“The concept has been very well embraced by everyone at Southdale – especially with three projects all set to begin around the same time – as well as by clients.

“The teams have been looking forward to the challenge throughout the summer and it will be seen as a huge opportunity to learn new methods and to show that such a timescale can be successful in the delivery of high quality homes for our clients.”

Mr Moore said: “I believe these projects have the potential to develop best practice and show that there is capacity to increase the industry’s ability to meet the UK’s housing demand, without compromising on quality.

“This can mean that, if the right conditions are in place, such as more land being made available and greater support for the industry, the industry can create a huge boost to the economy, not only meeting demand, but also creating employment and boosting supply chain firms.”