Object

Representation ID: 27921

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: E.M. Farming & Leisure Ltd

Agent: McLoughlin Planning

Support policy aims for new build dwellings to meet Building Regulation requirements M4(2) (accessible & adaptable homes) and for 5% of dwellings on major sites to meet Building |Regulations requirement M4(3) (wheelchair user dwellings).

EMFL is supportive of these aims but considers that the Council has not presented appropriate evidence 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.

Policy requires new homes, as a minimum, meet the National Described Space Standards (NDSS) for internal space in new dwellings. They are intended to be optional and can only be introduced where there is a clear need and retain development viability. As such they were introduced on a “need to have” rather than “nice to have” basis. Council has failed to provide sufficient justification for the need for the policy.