Up to 266 houses for homeless people could be built in the Three Rivers area, according to a council report.

In a meeting on October 6, Three Rivers District Council identified spaces across the district that could be turned into houses, in order to “maximise revenue return” and alleviate current housing difficulties.

In the report, the council outlines that council-owned garages could be turned into modular homes. It states that though only 65 are currently needed, this number could be expanded.

Earlier this month the Watford Observer reported that the council approved a proposal to replace a community centre in Rickmansworth with accommodation for up to 88 homeless people.

The decision upset residents who said they were not consulted and that the modular homes look liked “shipping containers”.

READ MORE: Nearly 100 homeless people could move to Rickmansworth

Three Rivers District councillor David Sansom has criticised the plans, saying he believes the temporary homes will become permanent fixtures.

He said that the former Royal Voluntary Service site in Bury Lane, Rickmansworth, was built as a temporary building. It was constructed in the 1950s but is still there.

He said: "Providing housing for local people in bed and breakfasts is an urgent issue but I am very concerned about the council possibly buying 266 low-quality temporary houses.

"I think that they will look out of place and tatty very quickly, but more importantly, the council will have provided inferior homes. Nobody would choose to live in a tin box. These modular homes may have a role to play in getting people out of bed and breakfasts, but building 266 to make a profit is short-sighted.

"The council say that the temporary, modular homes will last 50 years, but what will they be like after 10 years?

“If sites can be identified for new housing the council should either build, or enable a housing provider, to build permanent, good quality homes."

But council leader Sara Bedford said that although 266 spaces have been identified, the council is realistically looking to build around 70 homes.

She could not confirm whether the other 196 would be developed on at some point in the future, because she said that it depends on the need for them.

She said: "The council has set out to find sites where local families can be decently housed on a short term basis whilst permanent homes can be found for them. Council officers were asked to find sites for these homes, and identified space for up to 266 dwellings across a number of sites.

"The current need for Three Rivers is to house around 70 families. This is the number of properties we are looking at providing, and only a lack of understanding of the issues would lead someone to think that 266 units would be built."

She also dismissed claims that the houses will spoil the appearance of the area. She said they will be managed by an "experienced" charity or housing association, and the council will ensure the accommodation remains "attractive".

The report says that for the plans to be considered a Property Investment Strategy needs to be created by the next policy and resources committee meeting.