‘Flatpack’ home village plan to bolster affordable seniors housing
LONDON: A flatpack homes “village” made up of 225 properties could supplement affordable seniors housing options.
Developer ilke Homes has announced the plans for the ready-made homes on land east of Fossetts Way, Southend.
The development would be also close to the proposed Southend United stadium at Fossetts Farm, which involves at least 850 homes, hotel, and conference centre.
Developers say the prefabricated homes plan includes at least 30 per cent affordable housing.
The prefabricated homes are mostly made in factories and lifted onto the site and can be constructed in just 36 hours.
ilke Homes operates a plant in Knaresborough, Yorkshire, where eight fully-fitted houses will be made each day.
The properties – which have two or three bedrooms – cost between £65,000 and £79,000, according to The Guardian.
However, that excludes the cost of land, on-site assembly and connecting the home to services, which could double or triple the final price
Families are being urged to have their say with a consultation into the major proposals for the borough.
Invitations to a virtual consultation event have been sent to 600 homes and businesses.
ilke Homes will be holding the public consultation, which will run between January 21 and February 4.
A spokesman for the company said: “We want to understand the community’s thoughts on our proposals ahead of the submission of a full planning application later this year, so we can incorporate and address the views of local residents where possible.”
Campaigners have long called for more social housing in the area.
Tricia Cowdrey, co-chair of campaign group Fossetts for the People said: “We are still fighting for the previously NHS-owned public land to be used for social and keyworker housing as the need in Southend is so high.
“We welcome ilke’s proposal that the land on this third plot, behind B&Q, could be used for up to 100 per cent affordable homes, subject to agreement with the council.”
Ron Woodley, Independent deputy leader of Southend Council has welcomed the plans for the site.
He said: “I think it’ll be good quality and modular homes speed up the building and supply process – it is not a bad thing at all.
“We must also think about the doctors, schools and other services needed for these homes.
“I would have preferred the hospital dealt with the council directly.”
Residents also welcomed a different type of home but called for cheaper pricing too.
Kevin Smith, 59, from Southend said: “This will add a new mix to the housing in our borough and help with quicker homes for the demand and supply.
“It sounds good to have homes for under £100,000 but we must wait and see what the developer charges. I’ve known cases where the bosses change their mind late in the day and I hope the council fights for a deal that actually benefits us residents too.”
He raised serious concerns about the impact on the road network and services including schools and surgeries being unable to cope with the additional homes.
