Part M of the building regulations already covers convenient access for disabled people to visit new homes and to use the principal storey. Now the government is proposing further additions to the building regulations that are designed to allow people to alter properties at a later stage for easier reduced-mobility living.

The new design rules will create homes with built-in flexibility, said the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister this week.

Existing building regulations on accessibility could be strengthened by introducing the 'Lifetime Homes' standard - a series of design features to ensure that new or converted houses and flats have flexibility built in at the design stage.

Possible features could include:

• Stairs designed to take a stair lift at a later stage
• Ground floor bedroom/WC
• Ground floor space for installation of a shower if required

Parents of young children through to frail, older people and those with temporary or permanent disabilities will be among the many who could benefit from the forthcoming review of Part M of the building regulations. In particular, the change would allow people to remain in their own homes for longer as they age or their circumstances change.

The proposals were outlined this week by Building Regulations Minister Phil Hope who was giving evidence at an ODPM Select Committee hearing. Mr hope said:

"This review reflects the continuing commitment of the Government to encourage better design and to build inclusive communities with improved quality of life for all.”

"The accent is on accessibility and design features that make the home flexible enough to meet whatever comes along in life.”

"This means homes which can be easily adapted to accommodate changes in lifestyle like a teenager with a broken leg, a family member with serious illness, or parents carrying in heavy shopping and dealing with a pushchair.”

"There will be financial benefits too from reduced expenditure on adaptations or moving people into residential care and further possible savings in health care and re-housing costs."

Among a range of issues, the review will consider whether the Lifetime Home standards themselves are in need of updating to reflect the recommendations of British Standard BS 8300 'Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people - Code of Practice'.

Other research will look at practical ways to deliver enough wheelchair accessible homes for local needs. Any amendment to Part M - Dwellings of the Building Regulations will be accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Assessment and be subject to Public Consultation in due course. The new standards could be in place in two years time.

Lifetime Homes standards

Lifetime Homes standards are a recognised model for the design of accessible housing. They are designed to achieve accessible and convenient housing particularly in relation to the needs of disabled people and those with restricted mobility, but also for other users. They incorporate design features or standards that add to the convenience of a home and provide for easy adaptation to meet the changing needs which might occur throughout a family’s life cycle.

The criteria are similar to, but go somewhat beyond the requirements of Building Regulations Part M. Lifetime Homes do not however incorporate the additional space requirements necessary for occupation by wheelchair users. Wheelchair housing therefore requires additional specific design features and space requirements to accommodate the living needs of wheelchair users. In the social sector, many properties are already built to this standard or close to it.