Martyn Day – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Communities and Local Government

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of making compulsory the accessibility standards outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Gavin Barwell

National planning policy is clear that in developing their local plans, planning authorities should consider the needs of a wide range of households, including older and disabled households.

The role of higher accessibility standards for new housing was considered during the Housing Standards Review undertaken by the Coalition Government. As a result, Optional Requirements for higher levels of accessibility were introduced into the Building Regulations and came into force on 1 October 2015. It was decided at that time that the application of these standards should remain a matter for Local Planning Authorities taking into account local needs and viability.

Details of relevant consultations and impact assessments can be found at the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-building-regulation/2010-to-2015-government-policy-building-regulation#appendix-5-technical-housing-standards-review