FAQs
1. Iceni Homes is a development company. What does this mean?
Iceni Homes acts as a project management company on behalf of three major Housing Associations in East Anglia; Colne Housing, Suffolk Housing and Hundred Houses. It works with these Associations to source sites for news homes, funding and works to procure contractors for the schemes.
2. What are the benefits of using a development company like Iceni Homes?
Iceni Homes is a partnership organisation and, as such, has assembled a team of highly-skilled and knowledgeable staff from across the three Housing Associations with which is works, and from the public and private sector. With the ethos of partnership at its core, Iceni Homes is well positioned to apply for funding from major bodies to ensure that much needed schemes can become a reality. Iceni Homes works with developers both large and small, Parish Councils, Local Authorities and charitable associations to make this happen.
3. What type of developments does Iceni Homes create?
Iceni Homes creates all kinds of social housing developments. Where there is a need, we aim to fulfil it. Our developments range from general needs, intermediate (80% of private market rent value) and shared ownership. Other tenure options include ‘move-on’ – which helps people to bridge between renting and buying - sheltered accommodation for the over-55s, young family units, regeneration sites, rural sites and supported housing.
4. How does Iceni Homes get funding for its new schemes?
Working with our partners within Key Communities, Iceni can access grant funding through the Homes and Communities Agency. In addition, Iceni Homes can access grant funding from Local Authorities and other agencies and organisations.
5. I am looking for an affordable home to buy or rent, can I do this through Iceni Homes?
No. Once a development is built, Iceni Homes will pass over the management to the relevant Housing Association. You can then apply directly to the association or via your local council.
6. I live in an area where there is likely to be an Iceni Homes development. How can I find out more about the proposed plans?
Before the planning application is submitted, Iceni Homes will conduct a public consultation event held locally. When a planning application is formally submitted to the council, the council will also notify residents and ask for feedback.
7. I own a local building firm and would like to put my services forward to collaborate on a project. Does Iceni Homes only work with the national developers?
Iceni Homes work with both large and small developers and contractors. We work with many local contractors, particularly on rural schemes. The team is always happy to discuss new partnerships and we actively encourage local companies with the right services to come forward.
8. I am a small contractor/developer who has to provide a percentage of affordable housing as a Section 106 planning condition for one of my developments. How can Iceni help?
Iceni welcomes approaches from small contractors/developers and are happy to have informal discussions without commitment on either side on the options and processes involved. We work very closely with Local Authority housing and planning departments across the East of England and are fully aware of their policies and priorities which you will need to comply with.
9. Once a new scheme is built, is it still managed by Iceni Homes?
No. As soon as the development is built, it will be managed by the relevant housing association within the Iceni Homes partnership. For example, if the development is in Suffolk, it will be run by Suffolk Housing Society.
10. What geographical area does Iceni Homes cover?
Iceni Homes works strategically across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk but operates from three local offices in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, and Colchester.
11. How can I get in touch with Iceni Homes?
If you have any enquiries, you can contact our team on 01284 723834, email info@icenihomes.com or fill out the online form under the ‘contact us’ page.
