MORE than 150 eco-homes could be built after councillors backed “innovative” plans from Ikea.

Worthing Borough Council is hoping to agree a deal with BoKlok UK to build up to 162 homes in Fulbeck Avenue.

The Swedish company, owned by Ikea and construction company Skanska, is currently looking for locations in the UK to build its flat-pack sustainable homes.

Worthing councillor in charge of regeneration Kevin Jenkins said the plans would bring “real benefits” to the town’s residents.

“In this current market it’s extremely tough for local people who are in full-time work to get on the housing market,” Cllr Jenkins said.

“This proposal could change that, giving these hard-working individuals a genuine chance to buy their own home without having to move out of the town.

“The fact these homes can be built quickly, to a high quality and meet top environmental standards makes this an extremely attractive proposition and I look forward to the council working closely with BoKlok moving forward.”

A report seen by the Adur and Worthing Council’s Joint Strategic Committee recommended councillors enter a deal with BoKlok to build 162 homes in land west of Fulbeck Avenue, which borders the West Durrington housing estate.

As part of the possible agreement, Worthing council would retain control of 30 per cent of the houses to rent out to residents on the housing list.

Now the report has been approved by councillors, a steering group will be set up to establish the way forward for the plans.

The council hopes the BoKlok homes could be built and occupied within two years.

Worthing councillor in charge of housing Heather Mercer said the plans would address the town’s housing crisis by providing “good-quality, affordable housing”.

She said: “This innovative proposal ticks so many boxes and would help us provide much-needed good-quality housing to hundreds of hard-working families.

“I look forward to seeing the plans progress in the coming months.

“Providing good-quality affordable housing is a perennial problem across the south east but it is one that as a council we will continue to find creative ways to address.”

The average house price in Worthing is more than 11 times the average salary, according to Government statistics.