Why the Future of Older People’s Housing Depends on Local Plans Today

With many local plans in the UK currently being reviewed owing to increased government targets and calls for sites occurring across the country. It is important that sites are allocated for Integrated Retirement Communities (IRCs), given the ageing population.

Government housing targets are substantial, and there appears to be a positive shift towards older persons’ housing being mentioned in recent national reports, such as The New Towns Taskforce: Report to Government, and it is being more widely recognised at local levels.

With Local Plans being undertaken across the country and calls for sites being made, it’s important that sites are allocated for IRCs.

Yet, one element of uncertainty within this remains: How should the land be classified, C2 or C3?

Various planning decisions offer mixed signals on whether an IRC is C2 or C3. One significant difference is the need for affordable housing and how it affects the feasibility of such projects when a significant amount of space is left unsold.

• Sidmouth, Devon (2018) – 113 self-contained extra care units with staff accommodation and ancillary facilities, was ruled as C2 due to its holistic care provision.
• Rectory Homes, South Oxfordshire (2020) – although the development was C2, the 78-unit scheme had to provide affordable housing because the units were seen as ‘dwellings’

There is still no firm clarity on the use class order, and while recent reports call for a new use class, this will take further time, which is not on our side, given the desperate need for older persons’ housing.

What can be done now?

• Being specific about what will be offered and the use class that the development should fit under is important when making representations on calls for sites.
• Giving Local Authorities information on recent IRCs, together with pictures and a description of the facilities offered, would also be advantageous.

This will enable local authorities to examine sites more effectively, increasing the supply of accommodation for the elderly as desired by operators.

Contact our experienced team if you have any queries on 0123 552 1180