Homes ‘unfit’ for the future
Sally Roscoe joined Town & Country Planning Association (TCPA) in April 2022 as a Project Assistant. She supports the delivery of the TCPA’s Healthy Homes campaign and work on climate change. Below, she reminds us why the campaign is about inclusivity and equity for all.
Building homes that are fit for the future is not only necessary, but also common sense. It’s not viable to create an influx of housing that is poor quality and not built to last or accommodate for a diverse group of people and their own needs.
Yet many new homes are not designed with residents’ health and wellbeing in mind, including ensuring that the homes are inclusive and accessible.
Healthy Homes - principle 3
This is why, at the TCPA, we’re advocating for homes that promote rather than detract from residents’ health and wellbeing as a part of our Healthy Homes campaign sponsored by the Nationwide Foundation.
We’ve created 11 healthy homes principles, which if enshrined into law, would ensure that all new homes meet these standards. This includes principle 3, which states that all new homes and their surroundings must be designed to be inclusive, accessible, and adaptable to suit the needs of all.
At the national level, the Healthy Homes private member’s bill, tabled by Lord Nigel Crisp, would place a statutory duty on the Secretary of State to secure the health, safety and wellbeing of people in relation to buildings. Local authorities woud also have to plan for affordable housing in a way that supports the long-term health, safety and wellbeing of residents.
In addition, Lord Crisp has also put forward the Healthy Homes amendments to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill that would similarly create mandatory standards if passed later this year.
At the local level, the TCPA has been working with local councils and communities to offer support on how they can secure greater control over the quality of development in their area. This has involved facilitating workshops that are centred on specific housing concerns in their area. In many cases the importance of delivering high quality homes that meet accessibility needs has been a prevalent topic.
Current housing outlook
The Equality and Human Rights Commission lists mobility problems, indignity, poorer mental health, feelings of social isolation and anxiety all as impacts of non-accessible homes and reports that those without accessible homes are four times less likely to be in work. Therefore, it’s not only a matter of fairness, it makes economic sense to build accessible homes.
Despite this, Habinteg reports that 70% of new homes built between 2020-2030 will not be required to meet any of the optional access standards necessary to improve accessibility and adaptability for older and disabled people.
This indicates a lack of emphasis on incorporating accessibility and adaptability features into new housing developments, potentially perpetuating the existing issues faced by disabled people.
The fact that Habinteg has found that 104,000 people are on waiting lists for accessible and adaptable homes underscores the urgent need for action in addressing this issue. The demand for accessible housing clearly outstrips the supply, leaving many individuals without suitable housing options that meet their specific needs.
By prioritising and investing in accessible housing, policymakers, developers, and communities can work together to ensure that future housing stock is inclusive, sustainable, and capable of meeting the needs of all residents.
This includes incorporating design features such as step-free entrances, wider doorways and hallways, accessible bathrooms, and other elements that facilitate independent living and mobility for wheelchair users.
Additionally, it’s crucial to raise awareness about the importance of accessible housing and advocate for the implementation of mandatory accessibility standards to ensure that all new homes are designed and built with accessibility in mind. This would not only improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Learn more about the Healthy Homes campaign at www.tcpa.org.uk/collection/campaign-for-healthy-homes/
