Boutique Modern, a B Corp-certified modular housing company, has received approval from Lewes District Council to construct a new factory in Avis Way, Newhaven, UK. 

The company specialises in sustainable homes for affordable and social housing schemes in South East England.

Currently employing more than 70 people, the company notes that it has outgrown its existing site on Beach Road and plans to move into the new facility by the end of the year. 

Newhaven Enterprise Zone programme director Corinne Day said: “We cannot wait to cheer on the business as it continues on its exciting journey and it’s fantastic news it will create even more jobs for local people, both here in the town and later on in other sites across the region.” 

The Avis Way site was previously home to a large workshop, store, and office building demolished in 2021. 

Boutique Modern is currently using it to temporarily store off-site housing modules.  

The new factory, designed by Brighton-based architect Morgan Carn, will feature a two-storey industrial building for manufacturing off-site modular housing units.  

The expansion is expected to increase the company's workforce to more than 100 employees. 

It will enable the company to operate two manufacturing lines, enhancing flexibility in production and control over delivery times to clients. 

Once fully operational, the factory will produce up to 125 houses or 250 flats annually, with the ability to adjust this output according to market demand.  

The plant will also incorporate solar panels for on-site power generation, electric vehicle charging points, and more than 30 covered cycle spaces to encourage employee cycling.