Do we all have to stand up in them?

Both Network Rail and LCR have already been working in this space for a long time; this is more about increasing the scale than about doing something new.

Reading is an interesting example; all those big towers and blocks that have sprung up around the station in the last decade? The vast majority are on what was previously railway land.

"Sorry to the inhabitants of the proposed Stevenson Avenue, your road has been cancelled due to leaves on the plot, a member of staff will guide you to our tent replacement service."

I can see this ending with replacement mobile homes.

"I'm afraid that you will not be allowed back into your home today. The Met Office [or whatever it's called] has said that the weather pattern is for snow. Unfortunately, it's the wrong type for your locale. Please make alternative living arrangements until further notice."

Why not? They've failed miserably at delivering cost effective rail transport - it's cheaper to fly from your local airport on Ryanair to Spain and back to the local nearest destination airport - they might as well have a go at fucking up housing.

Guessing that the 'houses' are actually train carriages that have been continually stuck in sidings since time immemorial.