Accessibility for All

Non-Residential Buildings   

With respect to non-residential buildings, our Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), Access for All, provides guidance to architects, surveyors and builders in adopting and applying the principles of inclusive design. The document forms part of the Council's Local Development Framework. See also information on the provision of Design and Access Statements for planning applications, below. 

Residential Buildings 

All new housing must be built to Lifetime Home Standards, and ten per cent of new homes should be designed to be wheelchair accessible or easily adaptable for residents who are wheelchair users.  This requirement stems from London Plan Policy 3A.5: Housing Choice, which states: 

Boroughs should take steps to identify the full range of housing needs within their areas.  DPD policies should seek to ensure that: new developments offer a range of housing choices, in terms of the mix of housing sizes and types, taking account of the housing requirements of different groups   all new housing is built to ‘Lifetime Homes’ Standards ten per cent of new housing is designed to be wheelchair accessible, or easily adaptable for residents who are wheelchair users.

Guidance on compliance with Lifetime Homes standards is given below and in the Council's Supplementary Planning Advice Note: Lifetime Homes and Wheelchair Housing (December 2007).  

It should be noted that failure to demonstrate compliance with this requirement, with the help of the supplementary planning advice, is likely to lead to planning consent being refused.   

Lifetime Homes Standards 

Lifetime Homes Standards relate to both external and internal design features.  It is important to note that this is a planning requirement, and that Lifetime Homes Standards are not the same as the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations. More information is available in the Supplementary Planning Advice Note: Lifetime Homes and Wheelchair Housing. The Council’s view is that a Part M compliant lift is necessary in all new developments where homes are accessed above the ground floor.  This will enable people to access their homes when they can no longer use stairs easily, or at all, in accordance with the overall purpose of Lifetime Homes Standards. 

Wheelchair Housing Standards 

The requirement for wheelchair housing applies to both affordable and private dwellings. Again it should be noted that wheelchair accessible housing is a planning requirement and is not covered by the Building Regulations, and relates to both external and internal design features. Full design details of proposed wheelchair accessible homes are normally required with the planning application. 

Full guidance on wheelchair housing standards is provided in the following publications: 

·                    Best Practice Guidance: Wheelchair Accessible Housing (GLA 2007)  

·                    Wheelchair Housing Design Guide (second edition, BRE Press 2006) 

In addition to the above sources of guidance, the Council has the following specific requirements for wheelchair accessible homes built in the Borough (both affordable and private): 

·                    Where wheelchair accessible homes are accessible by lift, there should be the option of using an alternative lift in case of lift failure  

·                    All wheelchair accessible homes should be designed to include a fully wheelchair accessible shower facility (normally achieved by designing a ‘wet room’).  

·                    Wherever possible kitchens and shower rooms should only be fitted out when the needs of the first occupier are known.  

By removing barriers that create undue effort, separation or special treatment, we enable everyone – regardless of disability, age or gender – to participate equally, confidently and have accessibility for all