Work has started on a unique multi-million pound housing project in Egremont.

Home Group is demolishing 28 flats on Royal Drive and redeveloping the site for 26 new modular houses - the first of its kind to be built in the area.

David Armstrong, senior delivery manager at Home Group, said: “The flats on Royal Drive had reached the end of their serviceable life, so it was time to look at a solution that would improve the area and cater to the local demand for homes.

“We chose to use modular after a successful pilot as part of our ongoing research project at Gateshead Innovation Village. It offers a process that’s quicker, more environmentally friendly and results in a truly high quality home for our customers.”

Modular houses are manufactured off site in a controlled factory environment, ensuring homes are delivered at twice the speed of traditional construction and to a high quality.

The development is being created by Home Group, in collaboration with local company Ashcroft and ilke Homes.

Royal Drive will include a mix of two and three bedroom homes. Once completed, ilke Homes will transport the modules from their factory in Knaresborough, Yorkshire, using a specialist transport partner.