B5.5.2 Designing homes for the future

Accessible homes must be positioned to benefit from maximised lighting, and natural surveillance, with dedicated pedestrian routes to maximise safety and accessibility for vulnerable residents.

Accessible homes should be located in the most convenient and well-connected parts of the site, ensuring easy access to local facilities and public transport.

Where M4(3) 2b wheelchair accessible homes are provided on site, they should be designed as single storey bungalows or ground floor flats to avoid the need for through floor lifts, which can add unnecessary cost and ongoing maintenance requirements.

Developments for older person accommodation (for example extra care or independent living schemes) should be designed to meet HAPPI (Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation) principles and incorporate dementia-friendly design features. These could include:

• an easy-to-find front door

• step-free access into the home

• internal surfaces that minimise confusion (for example, avoiding excessive patterns or shiny finishes)

• a bathroom that is easy to locate and fitted with locks that can be safely opened from outside

• good levels of natural light in all habitable rooms

• a view of nature from at least one habitable room

• safe, easy-to-navigate outdoor space

• local amenities and services within 1 kilometre

• an active dementia champion within the managing organisation

• assistive technology and SMART homes to support independent living