Object

Representation ID: 25169

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

All new build dwellings should meet Building Regulation requirement M4(2) 'accessible and adaptable dwellings'.

On major development sites over 0.5 hectare or 10 or more homes a minimum of 5% of dwellings should meet the Building Regulations requirement M4(3) 'wheelchair user dwellings', designed to be wheelchair accessible, or easily adaptable for residents who are wheelchair users.

The HBF is generally supportive of providing homes that are suitable to meet the needs of older people and disabled people. However, if the Council wishes to adopt the higher optional standards for accessible, adaptable and wheelchair homes the Council should only do so by applying the criteria set out in the PPG.

PPG identifies the type of evidence required to introduce such a policy, including the likely future need; the size, location, type and quality of dwellings needed; the accessibility and adaptability of the existing stock; how the needs vary across different housing tenures; and the overall viability. It is incumbent on the Council to provide a local assessment evidencing the specific case for Bradford which justifies the inclusion of optional higher standards for accessible and adaptable homes in its Local Plan policy. If the Council can provide the appropriate evidence and this policy is to be included, then the HBF recommends that an appropriate transition period is included within the policy.

The PPG also identifies other requirements for the policy including the need to consider site specific factors such as vulnerability to flooding, site topography and other circumstances, this is not just in relation to the ability to provide step-free access.