Comment

Representation ID: 10333

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West

Agent: Sheppard Planning

Barratt support the provision of accessible, adaptable and wheelchair user dwellings. However, the requirement for these types of homes should be applied on flexible basis and be supported by appropriate evidence of need.

NPPG offers guidance on what evidence to consider, and Barratt suggest that this need, with suitable flexibilities included, is further examined before particular amounts and types of provision are specified in Policy.

Indeed, NPPG advises that: Planning policies for accessible housing need to be based on evidence of need, viability and a consideration of site specific factors

The current policy sets a standard requirement for all housing to be M4(2) and 5% to be M4(3). This would not accord with NPPF guidance on flexibility in plan making, nor could it reasonably be based on a consideration of viability of any particular site, nor any other site specific factors, given that it is a blanket policy approach.

Barratt suggest that this policy should be reviewed to provide suitable flexibility. This would ensure that accessible housing is provided in the locations where there is an identified need, and to avoid making provision in areas which may be less suitable or accessible to some users.