MKA Ecology is working with the charity It Takes A City Community Land Trust to provide ecological advice for community housing for the homeless.
Ten new homes are proposed to be built on a plot on the northwest of Cambridge to provide supported living for homeless people. To assist with the planning application process required for this scheme, MKA Ecology has undertaken an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) involving habitat, badger and reptile surveys to identify potential ecological constraints early on in the development.
Further advice has also been given on how ecological enhancements, such as native planting beds, could be integrated into the design of the modular homes. These in turn will provide habitat for wildlife as well as offer wellbeing benefits for new residents.
Rebecca Howard, from It Takes A City, comments “This project has greatly benefitted from the generosity of time and expertise given by MKA Ecology along with a range of other donors and supporters. This combined effort should lead to longer-lasting solutions for the vulnerable people in our city affected by rough sleeping and homelessness”.
This is the first community delivered by the charity. The new homes will be built using modular technology to provide modern, energy efficient, single-occupant units. Each will provide independent housing for the residents with flexible support available to help the residents make a new start.
Will O’Connor, MKA Ecology Director, comments “We are delighted to have given our time and ecological expertise to a local charity. We look forward to continuing our work to ensure the successful delivery of this much needed housing scheme, the first in a series being planned over the next few years”.
For further information on Ecological Impact Assessments and related project examples, please click here or contact us direct.