The Retirement Housing Group of the House Builders Federation and the Planning Officers Society have jointly published a Good Practice Guide to help local authorities and developers plan for retirement housing. The Guide examines demographic and social changes in the UK, including health, income and housing, and considers the implications of planning for an ageing population through the forward planning and development control systems.
Government policy encourages quality and choice in older peoples housing, recognising that, when older people cannot remain in their existing home, they do not wish to lose their independence and that a move to supported housing benefits both residents and the wider community. At the same time national planning policy seeks higher density housing on brownfields within existing urban areas. The planning system has a role to play in delivering both objectives. A key policy document says, Planning departments need to consider how the housing needs of future generations can be met. Improving the quality of life for all older people remains a key task for the Government yet at the same time it notes that housing can become marginalised and disconnected from the wider agenda.
The Guide should be a valuable reference document for members, those in local authority planning, housing and social service departments, councillors, MPs, and anyone with an interest in this area.
The Guide is available from the resources section of this website, under publications.