Second Phase - consultation for ex-Army homes
Posted: Sep 23, 2009
One of the most innovative and exciting schemes to renovate former army homes in Colchester into new affordable rented property is about to enter its second phase.
The project is being undertaken by, Iceni Homes, one of the East of England’s leading developers of affordable houses.
A full public consultation period has begun on Phase Two at Oakapple Close in Colchester which included a public meeting held at the Musket Club in Fallowfield Road.
If planning permission for Phase Two is granted, the proposal is to extend the housing provision on Oakapple Close from the present stock of 83 homes up to a total of 135 homes.
Iceni Home's Regional Director, Steve Heywood, said: “Everyone involved in this exciting development welcomes views from the community on the proposed scheme for Phase Two at Oakapple Close.
"If achieved, the Phase Two development could provide a number of new and attractive affordable homes on the site, in addition to the refurbished homes, all of which would then be available for local people.
"We are committed to meeting the housing needs of the local community; all the new homes on this proposed development would be addressing a proven local housing need and enhancing the well-being of many families and single people in the wider community who may not be able to get on to the housing ladder.
"Any new homes on this site would increase local choice and supply of much-needed housing and the scheme will be designed in close consultation with the Housing Department at the local authority.
"Iceni is anticipating an on-going dialogue with the public and in particular with people who may be affected directly by our proposals to ensure local opinion regarding our plans becomes an integral part of what we are doing."
A planning application has already been submitted for Phase One of the project to refurbish and upgrade 83 properties on Oakapple Close at a cost of £12.5m.
Iceni Homes is the development arm of Colne Housing Society in Colchester, Suffolk Housing Society in Bury St Edmunds and Hundred Houses in Cambridgeshire. The Oakapple Close homes will be managed through Colchester-based Colne Housing.
This significant development marks another key phase in Iceni's rapid growth as the Oakapple Close scheme will be one of Colne Housing's largest in Colchester.
Subject to planning permission work on Phase One is expected to start this Autumn.
Funding for Phase One of the Oakapple Close site was achieved after Colchester Council stepped in to bridge the funding gap between the cost of the homes and the £ 12.1 million cash made available through Iceni Homes, the Key Communities Consortium in the eastern region and The Homes and Communities Agency.
