Improving the accessibility, adaptation, and usability of residential properties in Scotland

Currently, new homes constructed by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and local authorities, with the assistance of grant funds, must adhere to construction regulations and meet the minimal design criteria outlined as “basic” in the Housing for Varying Needs Design Guide. The design characteristics labelled as “desirable” should be incorporated whenever feasible.

Purchases of newly constructed properties directly from developers, with the assistance of grant funding from the affordable housing supply programme, should also strive to include these specifications. Projects involving the renovation of existing residential properties or the conversion of non-residential properties into real estate should prioritise accessibility to the highest degree possible.

Flexible Housing Solutions The Design Guide for Housing and Flats was issued in 1998. The Scottish Government is looking for input on revisions to the Design Guide in order to align with the increasing demands and expectations of society over the previous 25 years. Scotland is experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population, with the proportion of those aged 65 and over rising from 16% in 2001 to 20% in 2021.

The Covid pandemic has changed our utilisation of residential spaces, encouraging the Scottish Government to gradually enforce a mandate that all homes provided by RSLs and local authorities under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme must include private or shared outdoor areas that accommodate seating and provide space for remote work or study. The plans aim to capitalise on technological advancements and guarantee that our homes are equipped with digital capabilities from the moment they are built.

The plans aim to achieve a suitable equilibrium between providing high-quality, easily accessible housing that accommodates to various needs, while also maximising the quantity of affordable dwellings that can be offered. Grant financing arrangements can be adaptable to ensure the ongoing provision of specialised housing for people in need.

The proposals in the consultation are categorised into three main areas: Accessibility, Usability, and Adaptability. These proposals additionally introduce principles that will support the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard, which will apply to all newly constructed homes and residences created by converting non-residential buildings into housing.

Accessibility

 

    • It is becoming customary (rather than merely desirable) for entries to be free of steps and to have a threshold that is easily accessible.

    • Enlarging the entrance doors to the common areas would enhance accessibility and ease of mobility for all building occupants, with particular emphasis on wheelchair users and individuals with baby strollers and buggies.

    • To enhance accessibility of community entrances, we will install automatic doors that open independently and have a pad-type button for power swinging.

Adaptability

 

    • Every residence, with the exception of those explicitly tailored for individuals using wheelchairs, should possess the capacity to incorporate a wet room featuring a shower space and grab rails. This would support evolving needs and facilitate the future installation of wet floor showers, rendering the process more efficient, expedient, and cost-effective.

    • In addition, it is important for bathrooms to be equipped with the necessary plumbing infrastructure to accommodate a bathtub, if it becomes necessary in the future, in order to provide flexibility.

Usability

 

    • Expanding the amount of room within properties to establish a consistent minimum width for corridors in all residences. This would enable wheelchair users to visit friends and family, assist individuals with temporary mobility impairments, and facilitate furniture delivery.

    • It is expected that homes designed for wheelchair users will be built on a single level. Nevertheless, if there are many levels, the standard procedure is to build a floor lift that allows wheelchair users to access and utilise their entire home.
      The living accommodation should include a designated area with a desk or workplace and a chair, in order to provide ample room for home working or studying in new social housing.

    • As a common practice, all houses will have telephone and television outlets that are digitally equipped upon handover. This means that internet connection can be established without the need for further cabling.

    • Each home should possess an individual or shared outside area that accommodates seating arrangements, including balconies, in cases where it is not feasible to provide private or shared outdoor space within multi-story buildings.

Although some of these recommendations aim to standardise preferences outlined in the current Design Guide, they additionally offer an opportunity to modify design standards in order to cater to the demands of the 21st Century and guarantee that our homes can adapt to our changing needs.

About Sinead - Sinead attended the University of Stirling where she achieved her LLB. She completed her Diploma in Legal Practice at Strathclyde University and in 2022, she gained a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Stirling. Sinead has progressed through the Firm to associate Solicitor. She assists with the daily management of the Firm, and its operations and policy as well as assisting in the development of our marketing strategy. Sinead manages our Client Services team and aims to ensure that the firm delivers an excellent and consistent level of service to all our clients.