Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

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6.63 There are three levels of accessibility;
• moderately adapted housing, Lifetime Homes or ‘Part M‘ 21 housing
• significantly adapted or mobility housing
• fully wheelchair accessible housing
6.64 Lifetime Homes Standards are also regarded as a benchmark for quality design. Further guidance
on the Decent Homes Standard issued by the ODPM in February 2004 indicated that landlords
might wish to consider Lifetime Homes Standards when carrying out work on properties. 22 .
6.65 The Region’s study ‘The implications of an ageing population for the sustainable development of
the East of England‘ recommended that further study should include a review of the available
information concerning Lifetime Homes and an assessment of the potential of this approach in the
East of England context for both new build and modernisation of the existing stock.
6.66 The RHDG will work with partners to inform future guidance to housing providers on the
assessment and provision of accessible homes in the East of England. This will include
developing policy H2 in the draft East of England Plan.
6.67 The RHDG will work with the Regional Public Health Group who are preparing a Regional
Health Strategy on behalf of EERA to develop a better understanding of needs and the
resources available to them. In addition they will improve joint working and planning
between housing authorities, primary care trusts and strategic health authorities,
particularly when boundary differences occur.
6.68 The EERA/RHB will consider what additional support might be required for housing
providers to enable people to remain in their own homes. This will need to take account
of the ODPM review of DFGs.
6.69 Housing providers should develop their strategic approach to adaptations through
comprehensive Older People’s Strategies. Housing Associations should develop policies
to ensure that they can meet requirements of their tenants for adaptations by 2015.
6.70 RHDG, through its membership, will encourage the coverage of Home Improvement
Agencies across the whole of the Region.
Policy framework: housing, improving health and well-being
The design and
quality of new
homes
21 Reference to Building Regulations, part M
New housing should be provided with the occupier’s current and
long-term requirements in mind. Accessibility is a key design issue.
Standards such as Lifetime Homes, or wheelchair accessible
housing, should be considered for new housing provision with
year on year increases where needs dictate this is appropriate.
New housing should be accessible to key services by public
transport, cycling and walking.
The layout should incorporate good quality green and open spaces
while creating a strong sense of place and community. Internal
layout should include adequate soundproofing, for example as
required by the Housing Corporation’s Scheme Development
Standards.
22 A Decent Home – the definition and guidance for implementation ODPM 2004