Older People's Housing Taskforce inaugural meeting Tues 16 May

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The first meeting of the new task force for older people’s housing took place this morning with the Housing and Care Ministers both present and giving this their strong personal commitment. I’m delighted both as an architect, and as Chair of RHG that this excellent initiative is on the way, and that the special housing needs of older people are finally being fully recognised. It’s a very strong group of specialists and I look forward to working with them all over the next year.

Planning success

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We’ve had several planning successes and submissions in the last few months.

We successfully gained planning for two separate, linked planning applications for a luxury residential project in Westminster. We were granted permission to extend the penthouse to provide additional living space and add a rooftop pool to the terrace. We’re excited to continue working with the client to refurbish the space and improve this twelfth floor apartment which has the most impressive views.

We have also had planning permission granted for the replacement screen for a one-off house near Finsbury Park. The house requires some major renovations to bring out the true concept of the house and allow its style to come through.

We have very much enjoyed working on a spectacular Listed Building, a 1904 house near Henley where Ian Fleming spent part of his childhood with a setting and interiors of truly extraordinary quality. We have been working on proposals for conversion to a total of 25 units across the site which have now been submitted for planning. The applications consist of three linked applications, for the main house and stables, potting shed and squash courts.

Richard at RHG reports to the Minister for Social Care

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The Retirement Housing Group recently provided a report to Housing Minister, Lucy Frazer MP which showed that:

 

  • The total supply of specialist housing for older people has not kept pace with the aging population, falling 21% between 2015 and 2021.

  • Supply per head is much higher in the South East, South West and London meaning residents in much of the Midland and the North of the country – key levelling up areas – face poor housing choices in later life.

 

The report argues the importance of addressing both the shortfall and the imbalance so that people in all parts of the country have the housing options they need in later years, and stressed that this should be a key part of Government agenda with regards to levelling up, bringing the considerable social and economic benefits linked to specialist retirement housing to parts of the country that most need it.

 

The RHG believes that the provision of specialist housing for older people needs to increase to 30,000 units per year (10% of the government’s housing target), up from the current provision of c. 7000 units per year.

 

RHG have suggested Four Key asks of policy makers which are set out in the report and are intended to help proactively plan specialist older persons housing.

 

Here are Richard’s letter to the Minister as chair of RHG, the report itself , and the Minister’s very positive response.

LETTER TO MINISTER

RHG REPORT

RESPONSE

Long awaited planning approval

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We are delighted that our application for a major mixed residential scheme in Bishop’s Waltham has been unanimously approved by Winchester City Council.

The application was first submitted in mid-2017 and we are wondering if five years for approval is a record. The approved proposal for Beechcroft Developments includes retirement housing, family housing, some affordable flats and a care home.

The site is very close to the ruins of the medieval bishop’s palace, on the edge of the bishop’s fish pond, and the proposals include the conversion of a Victorian mill.

Planning News Autumn 2020

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RMA has recently submitted three planning applications for varied schemes as follows:

Frognal Lane

We have recently submitted a planning application for a large detatched house in Frognal Lane. The original house dates from 1813 and it is Grade 2 listed.

The application is to reverse some changes to the interior and exterior of the building, and restore the original character of the building, make internal improvements to the spaces, create a below ground pool complex and rebuild an annex building. The proposals are intended improve the aesthetic value of the existing building and be designed to be more sympathetic with the Manor House.

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Swakeleys

The demolition of existing house and ancillary buildings on site and creation of a new 2.5storey building with 8 flats. 4 Ground Floor Plats, 3 First Floor Flats and 1 set into the roof profile. The design, is conceived as a large villa in the late arts and crafts style typical of Ickenham.

The flats comply with Space Standards, most will be dual aspect, and all will have dedicated outdoor space.

There is potential for the flats to be used specifically as homes for older people and, to this end, the design will comply in all reasonable respects with the Lifetime Homes and HAPPI standards. A lift is provided.

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Crawley Down

Proposed 64 Bed Care home, which in line with current practice, consists of four semi-independent groupings of 16 beds, each group having its own lounge, dining area, nursing station and other ancillary facilities. Groupings of this size work well in social terms and allow for very well-tailored care provision. It is likely that one or more of the four wings will be adapted for the provision of dementia care.

Over and above the care wings, are communal spaces, including reception and recreational facilities for more able residents and their families, and staff areas, including administrative offices, kitchens, the laundry and rest rooms.

Gardens are an essential facility, and this site is wonderfully suited to provide secure, beautifully landscaped grounds.

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