THE UK’s first iKozie micro-home community will be built in the heart of Worcester after city planning chiefs gave the thumbs up to a scheme off Cecil Road.
Members of Worcester City Council’s planning committee gave the green light to 16 single-person homes which will offer five affordable homes to those put forward from the council’s housing list with the remainder sold as privately rented homes.
Of the 16 homes, two will be disabled friendly and iKozie director Kieran O’Donnell believes the ambitious project could be a template and inspiration for similar housing solutions across the country.
The iKozie first captured the world’s attention when unveiled by the Homeless Foundation in October 2017, of which O’Donnell is also a trustee.
Designed by O’Donnell and Andrew Eastabrook of Eastabrook Architects, the homes deliver a stylish and desirable home for one in just 17.25 square metres. The iKozie features a bedroom, shower room, living area and full kitchen including all appliances.
iKozie Limited submitted plans for the site, near Cecil Road, at the start of the year in collaboration with Worcestershire-based Planning Prospects Ltd, who have played an instrumental role in getting the development approved, following consultation with the City Council and residents.
O’Donnell said: “This is a historic day for the city of Worcester. The approval of the first iKozie community will draw a lot of attention from around the country and Worcester City Council is to be congratulated for its vision in supporting this innovative housing scheme.
“It hasn’t been an easy road to get here as we have revised the plans to ensure the council’s view and the thoughts and concerns of residents near the development have been taken into consideration.
“We also acknowledge the work of Coun Jabba Riaz for playing a key role in organising productive consultations with residents before he became Mayor of Worcester.
“Now that the plans have been approved, we will begin the process of preparing the site. We expect the major work groundwork to begin in spring 2019 and the first residents to be in by this time next year.”
Coun James Stanley, chair of the City Council’s Communities Committee, welcomed the approval for the iKozie development and what it will bring to the city.
“This is a much-needed and innovative housing solution, which will help more people in the city to live independently while also benefitting from being part of a wider community,” he said.
