An affordable housing scheme in Cornwall has been hailed as 'fast track'.

Truro builders Rok shaved eight weeks off a typical construction programme by completing eight brand new homes and the road leading to them, in the village of St Newlyn East near Newquay, in just 15 weeks.

The two-bedroom timber framed properties were part of an innovative 'fast track' pilot project undertaken by Rok in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Housing Association (DCHA) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

It is hoped the lessons learned can be rolled out to other developments across the country, helping to improve the delivery of affordable housing by reducing the time spent on the construction phase.

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A major focus of the pilot project was reducing inefficiency and waste through an intensive planning phase involving all partners. This meant arrangements with suppliers were all in place before work started and because these will extend to further projects, significant time and cost savings were possible.

Another key to success was breaking the programme down to concentrate on each half day and ensuring something was happening in each property all the time.

The project was supported by an investment of more than £570,000 from the HCA and a further £20,000 from Cornwall Council.

Despite working to a tight programme, Rok Site Manager Paul Nicholls still found time for several visits to the local school to talk to children about the dangers of building sites and give and them an idea of the work that was taking place. His team also produced a weekly newsletter providing all parties involved with updates and progress reports.

Operations Leader, Paul Postlethwaite, said: "It is a fantastic achievement made possible through a strong partnership with DCHA, Rok’s previous experience of fast track and the dedication and sheer hard work on site led by Paul Nicholls."

(CD/GK)