Green light for micro-home community

A new solution to the UK’s housing crisis took a significant step forward after Worcester City Council approved the country’s first iKozie micro-home community.

City Councillors backed plans for 16 single-person iKozie homes to be built on a former brownfield site in the city centre, which iKozie director Kieran O’Donnell believes could be a template and inspiration for similar housing solutions across the country.

Construction will begin in early 2019 and the scheme will contain a mix of five affordable homes, which will be allocated to individuals put forward from Worcester City Council’s housing list, with the remainder privately rented homes. Of the 16 homes on the plot, two will be disabled friendly, while a proportion will be double stacked.

iKozie homes are just 17.25m2, and include a bedroom, shower room, living area and full kitchen including all appliances. The ergonomic home was inspired by yacht interiors and first-class airline suites.

Kieran 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.”

Councillor James Stanley, chair of the City Council’s Communities Committee, said: “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.”