Conservative MP for Witney and West Oxfordshire, Robert Courts, has seen first-hand how offsite construction can help to meet the UK’s housing needs during a visit to a leading manufacturer of offsite timber systems.
The MP toured Stewart Milne Timber Systems’ automated facility, which is based in his constituency of Witney. One of the largest employers in the area, the company provides timber systems for commercial developments and the private and affordable housing markets with the capacity to deliver up to 10,000 homes per year.
During the tour Mr Courts received an introduction to and demonstration of what offsite construction is, and an insight into the ways in which offsite construction can benefit housebuilders, in terms of capacity, volume, speed, cost and quality.
Stewart Milne Timber Systems group managing director, Alex Goodfellow, said: “Robert’s visit to the facility is a positive sign that this government is fully committed to championing the case for housing and offsite construction.
“During his visit to our factory and centre of excellence, Robert saw first-hand how offsite timber systems construction has the capacity to deliver housing in a cost effective efficient manner with less waste, higher quality and faster build times. With the publication of the Housing White Paper we are seeing a real commitment from the UK Government to look at how offsite construction can tackle the issues currently facing the industry and we are pleased to see this reflected in engagement with our local MP.”
Mr Courts said: “I am proud to have companies such as Stewart Milne based here in West Oxfordshire. During my visit, I was able to see first-hand how they are providing innovative solutions to tackling the current homes shortage. Stewart Milne’s offsite construction of timber frames is a great example of how more affordable homes can be built quickly. Building on the Government’s recent White Paper, I look forward to working closely with the company to see what changes can be made to encourage further progress in this area.”
Image: MP Robert Courts toured Stewart Milne Timber Systems Witney factory.
