News 

Housing an ageing population

17 July 2019

"Local authorities are being tasked with ensuring that the right mix of housing provision is in place for an ageing population"

Over 30 per cent of the UK population is predicted to be over 60 years old within the next 30 years, so it will come as no surprise that the Government has recently published Planning Practice Guidance for housing for older and disabled people. Local authorities are being tasked with ensuring that the right mix of housing provision is in place for an ageing population, which will also see the numbers of people with disabilities increase.

The provision of appropriate and accessible housing can prevent isolation, improve levels of independence, contribute to positive mental and physical wellbeing, and reduce social and healthcare costs.

Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are required to calculate the likely number of specialist housing units that will be needed, as well as units for those with certain long-term healthcare needs. Data sources, such as the Census and Department for Work and Pensions benefit claimant data, are signposted to do this. This specific type of housing provision is then counted against the overall housing requirement. The amount of housing fulfilled by care home provision (residential institutions [C2]) is calculated according to the average number of adults per household in a specific housing market area.

For housing to be considered suitable for the elderly, it needs to allow for the diversity of needs within the age range, alongside the likelihood that these needs will continue to change over time. Accessibility and adaptations for elderly use are key (for more information on specific design requirements, please refer to building regulations - Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings, volume 1: dwellings). Housing which is adaptable from the outset ensures that residents can stay in their own homes for as long as possible. It is also more cost-effective to build accessible homes, rather than undertake expensive adaptations later.

Location and transport are critical considerations. Levels of mobility vary widely in the 60+ age group. While many older people are willing and able to drive, others may no longer drive but are still very mobile. This means housing which offers shared amenities for the elderly, but no or low levels of support, may also require resident parking. Close proximity to public transport, shops, health services and other amenities is also important.

Housing-with-care, or homes with high levels of care - such as care or nursing homes - may not require resident parking, but staff and visitor parking and access is a high priority. Some homes will have no driving residents, which means that travel considerations are only necessary for staff and visitors. Transport assessments will therefore need to consider staff and visitor access, as well as irregular shift patterns and frequent staff changes.

The level of care provided will also determine whether an LPA will consider a proposal for C2 (residential institution) or C3 (dwellinghouse) use.

For further information about planning for housing for the elderly, please speak to a member of the Planning Potential team on [email protected].

Please note: For planning purposes, the National Planning Policy Framework Glossary defines the elderly as those over or nearing retirement age, including the very frail elderly. Someone with a disability is said to have a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.