All new homes to be future-proofed for the elderly

Ministers at the Department for Communities & Local Government announced on Monday that in light of the country’s ageing population, all new homes should be “future-proofed” to include 16 features such as downstairs bathrooms and stairs wide enough to accommodate stairlifts.

The measures, known as the lifetime homes standards and developed with assistance from housing practice PRP Architects, will be applied to all social housing to be built from 2011 and to every new home from 2013.

Housing minister Caroline Flint said: “This is about giving all older people a better choice. The vast majority of people want to stay independent in a suitable home as they get older. We have a responsibility to support that desire by increasing the housing choices that are available.”

RIBA president Sunand Prasad joined planning organisations the RTPI and TCPA in welcoming the announcement.

But he added: “We hope, however, that in implementation, sufficient flexibility is built in so as not to stifle innovation such as design to widen accessibility to the housing market.”

But the Home Builders Federation warned the plans were “not a panacea” and would clash with other objectives such as affordability and even the needs of older people. “The provision of support and companionship is a critical element in the quality of life of many older people,” an HBF spokesman said. “In February, Age Concern reported that 45% of men and 34% of women over 80 were lonely.

“In new housing, the benefits of offering a wide range of specialist supported housing to older people is far greater than concentrating on a one-size-fits-all construction solution because it offers to those who find their existing home too isolating and expensive… an attractive alternative while freeing up homes for families.”