The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is raising the minimum accessibility standards for new properties in England.
Current basic standards for accessibility, known as “Category 1”, require new homes to be accessible for most people. This includes level access to the main entrance together with entrance doors and circulation space that is accessible for wheelchair users.
Most new properties will require a higher standard of accessibility than Category 1 in the future, although some exceptions may apply. Such cases may include sites where flooding is an issue or flats built above properties with other uses, such as shops and garages.
The standard will require homes to have step-free access to all rooms at entrance level as well as other mobility friendly features.
Government consultation has driven the move to improve accessibility standards, from a desire to give residents “the dignity and security they deserve in their homes”, and only 2% of respondents voted to continue using the existing framework.
The first consultation will be followed by a second which will cover the regulatory changes in more detail. Statutory guidance supports the regulations in Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings.
Local authorities are already able to choose whether or not the raised standard should be applied using local planning policy.
Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Eddie Hughes MP, said: “Older and disabled people must have homes which are suitable for their needs and allow them to live comfortably and independently. This consultation has made clear raising the accessibility standard of new homes is supported not just by people who use accessible homes, but by industry and wider stakeholders as well. With that mandate, we are forging ahead with the next steps to make this a reality.”
If you’re buying a new property in England or Wales, contact a Property Surveying Independent Chartered Surveyor, who will make sure the building suits your needs.