Policy HOU7 – Adaptable and accessible accommodation

All new homes should be designed in a flexible way to ensure that housing is adaptable throughout all stages of life, maximising the ability for occupants to remain in their homes and live independent lives for as long as possible. To help deliver adaptable and accessible homes, planning permission will be granted for new housing where the following criteria are met: a. Parking provision should have a firm surface and provide level or gently sloping access to the main entrance of the property; b. Main entrances should be sheltered from the weather; c. Permanent living space or dining space should be provided within or in addition to a kitchen at entrance level; d. Accommodation should provide entrance level WC with space to provide an accessible shower in the future if required; e. An accessible bathroom should be provided on the same floor as the main bedroom; and f. Glazing in the principal living space should be sited to enable outlook when seated. In addition to the above requirements, for all residential developments of 10 units or more, planning permission will be granted where at least 10% of units are wheelchair accessible, designed in accordance with the following criteria: g. A wheelchair accessible environment is provided in accordance with the space standards for wheelchair housing set out in appendix C; h. In-curtilage or designated car parking meets disabled parking standards; i. Pathways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and have a firm surface, level or gently sloping surface; j. Entrance hallway, kitchen, living, dining area, bathroom and a main bedroom have an unobstructed turning circle; k. Entrances, doorways and halls should be an appropriate width and length allow for wheelchair access; l. Space should be provided in the entrance area to enable storage of a second wheelchair; m. Space should be identified that is capable of accommodating a future lift accessed off circulation spaces on each floor; n. Adequate built-in storage should be provided; and o. Private amenity space shall be level or gently sloping and should incorporate an area of suitable hard surfacing.