Accessibility in new homes in England must achieve the accessibility and adaptability standards set out in Part M4(2), a government consultation has found
The outcome of a 2020 consultation on standards of adaptability and accessibility in new homes has found that the previously optional regulations of Part M4(2) will now become the mandatory minimum standard across England.
This includes features such as step-free access into dwellings, increased circulation space and access to toilet facilities on the entrance storey.
With an ageing population, the need for a better standard of accessibility in new builds only grows
With 14.6m disabled people in the UK and 15.5m people aged 60 and over –23% of the population– the need for accessible housing is more apparent.
Many of these people want to live independent lives in their own homes, which can only happen with an appropriate level of adaptability and accessibility in new homes.
With sub-standard and hazardous housing costing the NHS £1.4b a year, the changes in the law regarding Part M4(2) will allow future housing stock to accommodate the changing needs of the ageing population and lower care costs.
The change in legislation is a good start but more must be done, say occupational therapists
Jacquel Runnalls, co-opted lead for Accessible and Inclusive Design for the RCOT Specialist Section – Housing said in response:
“Occupational therapists have long been calling for accessible and inclusive homes so it’s a relief to see accessible and adaptable housing finally mandated in England. We have been campaigning for this for over 30 years but we are not there yet. We still need to push for a percentage of desperately needed wheelchair housing, similar to planning policies in London since 2004.”
Commenting on the change, Lauren Walker, RCOT professional adviser said:
“This change will have a huge impact upon people that occupational therapists help. It is however, disappointing, that our recommendation to mandate a percentage of fully accessible homes hasn’t been taken, given the chronic lack across the country.
“Over 400,000 wheelchair users currently live in homes that are unsuitable for them, but less than 50% of local authorities have policies for the development of wheelchair-accessible properties in their local plans. This is something that needs to change quickly.
“There are different approaches to accessibility throughout the UK nations and although the new changes currently only apply in England, we hope that the new standards will provide a catalyst for enhanced accessibility across the UK. We will continue to work with members and stakeholders to campaign for inclusive homes for all.”
