Iceni Projects advised Urbane London on one of their first schemes as a development company. Urbane London are a new development company, which seek to disrupt the traditional development and construction cycle of delivering homes. Urbane homes are digitally crafted and manufactured 100% offsite which means the company can deliver higher quality homes, at a cheaper price, erected 40% faster than traditional construction, on any London site of any scale.

This particular scheme at The Mall comprises 71 co-living units which vary in size from 13sqm to 24sqm, each with their own double bed, kitchenette, bathroom and storage. The Iceni team previously secured planning permission for a 38 unit scheme on the same site, the latest application represents an increase in unit numbers on a slightly larger site.

This type of co-living is becoming increasingly popular in London Boroughs and is typically targeted at young professionals entering the private rented housing sector in London. It is intended that the development will create a vibrant community of young people interacting in the same social and physical environment, thereby creating a strong sense of place. The concept is based on providing a level of service and amenity normally found in a hotel environment with shared spaces (including kitchens, communal areas and laundry facilities). The unique nature of the housing product is such that it does not fall within the classification of a Class C3 (dwelling house) use and as such, it is deemed to be sui generis.

The Iceni team are working closely with both the client and Ealing Council’s Planning Team to deliver a high quality scheme which pushes the boundaries of the traditional housing product and space standards whilst delivering much needed residential units at an affordable rent level.