Wheelchair Accessible Housing Requirements

In addition to the 'accessible homes' criteria, the second part of this policy requires at least 10% of units in new schemes over 10 units to be wheelchair accessible. The SPPS requires that the LDP makes provision to meet the full range of housing needs as identified through an up to date HMA/HNA. The ongoing increase in the number and proportion of people aged 65 or more, particularly those aged 85 or more, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the design of dwellings and the need for accommodation that is suitable for wheelchair users. Of those aged 65+ (45,945) the 2011 census found that approximately 7% of these lived in households that had been adapted for wheelchair use. Whilst DfC guidance issued to housing associations stipulates that 7% of all new social housing should be built to wheelchair standard, the draft NI programme for government outcomes relating to housing include an action to increase the proportion of new build social housing which is wheelchair accessible to 10% per year. Applying the 10% requirement to schemes of 10 units or more would see the delivery of sufficient wheelchair accessible units per year to meet identified need. Additional guidance on achieving wheelchair design standards is also provided within DfC's HAG.