 Better
quality housing designed to adapt to changing household needs
is the aim of a review of building controls announced today
(10th March) by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Existing building regulations on accessibility could be
strengthened by introducing the 'Lifetime Homes' standard - a
series of design features to ensure that new or converted
houses and flats have flexibility built in at the design
stage.
Possible features could include:
- Stairs designed to take a stair lift at a later stage
- Ground floor bedroom/WC
- Ground floor space for installation of a shower if
required.
Parents of young children through to frail, older people
and those with temporary or permanent disabilities will be
among the many who could benefit from the forthcoming review
of Part M of the building regulations. In particular, the
change would allow people to remain in their own homes for
longer as they age or their circumstances change.
The proposals were outlined for the first time today (10th
March) by Building Regulations Minister Phil Hope who was
giving evidence at an ODPM Select Committee hearing. Mr hope
said:
"This review reflects the continuing commitment of the
Government to encourage better design and to build inclusive
communities with improved quality of life for all.
"The accent is on accessibility and design features that
make the home flexible enough to meet whatever comes along
in life.
"This means homes which can be easily adapted to
accommodate changes in lifestyle like a teenager with a
broken leg, a family member with serious illness, or parents
carrying in heavy shopping and dealing with a pushchair.
"There will be financial benefits too from reduced
expenditure on adaptations or moving people into residential
care and further possible savings in health care and
re-housing costs."
Among a range of issues, the review will consider whether
the Lifetime Home standards themselves are in need of updating
to reflect the recommendations of British Standard BS 8300
'Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of
disabled people - Code of Practice'.
Other research will look at practical ways to deliver
enough wheelchair accessible homes for local needs. Any
amendment to Part M - Dwellings of the Building Regulations
will be accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Assessment and be
subject to Public Consultation in due course. The new
standards could be in place in two years time. |
