8 INDUSTRY NEWS
Collaboration calls for better accessibility standards for new builds
Partner appointed for first phase of Wimbledon regeneration
All new homes should be built to higher accessibility standards, according to a new campaign factsheet from Age UK and Habinteg.
The call has come after reports that there are currently 6.5 million people with mobility problems and 13.9 million disabled people in the UK – with only seven per cent of the existing housing stock having the features necessary to make homes viable for disabled or older people with restricted mobility. The campaign says that unless homes become more adaptable, future generations will be forced to ‘make do’ in homes that fail to meet their needs.
The new factsheet ‘Home Truths – rebutting the 10 myths about building accessible housing’ aims to challenge perceptions around accessible housing, including that it is too difficult or simply undesirable for buyers. It argues that an ageing population and increasing numbers of people with mobility problems means that new homes need to be accessible and adaptable to ensure that they work for everybody, supporting independence, health and wellbeing. Among the 10 myths being confronted in the report is that building to this accessible and adaptable standard is more expensive. A report commissioned by the Government estimated that it would only cost an extra £521 to build an average three-bedroom standard semi-detached house to the M4 (2) standard with a further space cost of £866 - £1,387 per
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dwelling. In the long run, accessible and adaptable homes save money because they help reduce demand on the NHS and care services and make it easier to remain healthy and independent. The report authors are calling for
regulation to ensure that all new homes are built to accessible adaptable standard (Category 2) as a minimum, for 10 per cent of new homes to be built to wheelchair-accessible standards, and in the interim, for the Government to amend planning rules to protect the discretion of local authorities to decide the number of accessible homes built in their area. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK said: “A well designed home can work across a whole lifetime or for any generation, so it just makes common sense to make sure that all new homes are accessible, flexible and adaptable regardless of whether they are initially built for first time buyers. If not, we’re creating swathes of housing stock that won’t be appropriate for a big part of the population.” She concluded: “We know there are huge benefits to people being able to stay in their own home as they get older – and if we make it harder for people to do this then it will have a detrimental impact on people’s health and wellbeing as well as a financial impact in the terms of the costs to the NHS.”All new homes should be built to higher accessibility standards, according to a new campaign factsheet from Age UK and Habinteg.
Hill has been appointed as partner in delivering the first phase of homes for the estate regeneration at High Path, Wimbledon, by Clarion Housing Group. The project will see the redevelopment of over 600 homes, as well as an additional 1,000 new homes and ameni- ties created on the doorstep of South Wimbledon Station.
The first phase of homes at High Path will comprise 134 homes – 125 apart- ments and nine houses. Both existing and future residents have been carefully considered throughout the planning stages, with the proposal including a variety of energy efficient properties and replacement homes for current residents. A variety of styles such as flats, duplexes, maisonettes and houses, as well as new homes with wheelchair access and a new neighbourhood park providing residents with outdoor space, are also planned. Each aspect of the project has been included as a result of direct feedback from a series of public consultations. Cain Peters, regional director at Hill, explains: “Having previously worked on a number of regeneration projects across London, we’re confident that our highly experienced team are going to success- fully deliver quality homes, whilst remaining respectful of the existing residents on the estate. Community engagement is so important with these projects – we’re not just redeveloping their homes, but their livelihoods too. “We’re looking forward to providing energy efficient homes built to an excel- lent standard, that meet the needs and requirements of the community. We’re delighted to be working alongside Clarion again to grow this new and flourishing area in Wimbledon.”
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