Documents stated that modern methods of construction would be favoured for public infrastructure schemes from 2019.

It said: “The government is taking a series of steps to improve the cost effectiveness, productivity and timeliness of infrastructure delivery .

“The government will use its purchasing power to drive adoption of modern methods of construction, such as offsite manufacturing.

“Building on progress made to date, the Department for Transport, the Department of Health, the Department for Education, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Defence will adopt a presumption in favour of offsite construction by 2019 across suitable capital programmes, where it represents best value for money.”