Policy H13 — Specialist older persons housing

Policy H13 Specialist older persons housing A Boroughs should work positively and collaboratively with providers to identify sites which may be suitable for specialist older persons housing taking account of: 1) local housing needs information including data on the local type and tenure of demand, and the indicative benchmarks set out in Table 4.3 2) the need for sites to be well-connected in terms of contributing to an inclusive neighbourhood, having access to relevant facilities, social infrastructure and health care, and being well served by public transport 3) the increasing need for accommodation suitable for people with dementia. B Specialist older persons housing provision should deliver: 1) affordable housing in accordance with Policy H4 Delivering affordable housing , and Policy H5 Threshold approach to applications 2) accessible housing in accordance with Policy D7 Accessible housing 3) the highest standards of accessible and inclusive design in accordance with Policy D5 Inclusive design 4) suitable levels of safe storage and charging facilities for residents’ mobility scooters 5) pick up and drop off facilities close to the principal entrance suitable for taxis (with appropriate kerbs), minibuses and ambulances. 4.13.1 While London is a ‘young city’, it is expected to experience substantial growth in its older population. By 2029 the number of older person households (aged 65 and over) will have increased by 37 per cent, with households aged 75 and over (who are most likely to move into specialist older persons housing) increasing by 42 per cent. Appropriate accommodation is needed to meet the needs of older Londoners . 4.13.2 Some older Londoners may wish to downsize , move closer to family or friends or be closer to services and facilities, but they may not want to move into specialist older persons housing. Boroughs and applicants should recognise the important role that new, non-specialist residential developments play in providing suitable and attractive accommodation options for older Londoners, particularly developments in or close to town centres, near to relevant facilities and in areas well-served by public transport. 4.13.3 In some circumstances, older people may choose to seek alternative, more tailored specialist accommodation . There is a range of specialist accommodation options providing a different offer and level of care. 4.13.4 This policy contains requirements for ‘specialist older person housing’. It does not apply to accommodation that has the following attributes, which is considered ‘ care home accommodation ’: personal care and accommodation are provided together as a package with no clear separation between the two the person using the service cannot choose to receive personal care from another provider people using the service do not hold occupancy agreements such as tenancy agreements, licensing agreements, licences to occupy premises, or leasehold agreements or a freehold likely CQC-regulated activity [72] will be ‘accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care’ 4.13.5 Specialist older persons housing that does not provide an element of care but is specifically designed and managed for older people (minimum age of 55 years) is covered by the requirements of this policy. 4.13.6 In addition to this, the requirements of this policy also cover specialist older persons housing that has the following attributes: i. where care is provided or available; a. there are separate contracts/agreements in place for the personal care and accommodation elements, and/or b. residents have a choice as to who provides their personal care ii. housing is occupied under a long lease or freehold, or a tenancy agreement, licensing agreement, license to occupy premises or a leasehold agreement iii. housing provided is specifically designed and managed for older people (minimum age of 55 years) iv. likely CQC-regulated activity [73] will be ‘personal care’ 4.13.7 Where a development does not meet the attributes of ‘specialist older persons housing’ as defined by paragraph 4.13.6 or the attributes of ‘care home accommodation’ as defined by paragraph 4.13.4, then the general housing policies in the Plan apply. 4.13.8 Research [74] has identified a total potential demand in London across all tenures for just over 4,000 specialist older persons units a year between 2017 and 2029. Table 4.3 provides annual borough benchmarks for specialist older persons housing 2017-2029. 4.13.9 These benchmarks are designed to inform local level assessments of specialist housing need. Boroughs should plan proactively to meet identified need for older persons accommodation. 4.13.10 Looking beyond 2029 to 2041, the number of older persons households will continue to increase, although at a slightly slower rate than from 2017 to 2029. 4.13.11 The fast track route for affordable housing delivery is available for specialist older persons housing providers. Where an application does not meet the requirements set out in Part C of P olicy H5 Threshold approach to applications it must follow the Viability Tested Route. However, the tenure split requirements for specialist older persons housing may differ to those set out in Policy H6 Affordable housing tenure . Where they do, they should be clearly set out in local Development Plan Documents or supplementary guidance. 4.13.12 Specialist older persons housing developments should also provide a suitable level of safe storage and charging facilities for residents’ mobility scooters, to prevent the storage of these in communal corridors or spaces which are not designed or suitable for this purpose. 4.13.13 Dementia does not just affect older people; however the total number of older people with dementia in London is forecast to rise from 73,825 in 2017 to 96,939 in 2029, an increase of 31 per cent. Methods of offering support for people with dementia have improved in recent years, as have accommodation options. There is currently no clear evidLondon Plan Policy H13 · official source →