Sunny Sahadevan: Future-proofing housing and enhancing liveability | Policy blog

Sunny Sahadevan is the Interim Service Director for Sustainable Development at Luton Borough Council. He has 32 years post-qualification experience in Local Government planning. Of that, the last 12 years have been at a senior level. He writes this blog in a personal capacity, from his perspective as a senior planning professional, and his views are not those of Luton Borough Council.

I started my planning career in London and was really pleased when the London Plan had the foresight to include a policy requirement for M4(2) accessible and adaptable homes as part of any major planning proposals. This happened some 20 years ago. As usually happens in this country, good ideas usually start in London before everyone else catches on.

From a town planning perspective, M4(2) homes offer several benefits, and not all of them are obvious.

Of course, they advance and promote Inclusive communities, by designing homes that will accommodate a broad range of people, including older adults, individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities, and families with young children. This helps create communities that are diverse and inclusive, where residents of all ages and abilities can live together.

This then leads to positive social cohesion by integrating accessible housing into all parts of a town. Public sector planners can ensure that people with different needs are not segregated but instead are part of the broader community. This fosters greater social cohesion and interaction.

Future-proofed homes

The greatest benefit of accessible homes is that they future-proof the country’s housing stock. These homes can be easily modified to meet the changing needs of residents. This reduces the need for costly retrofits and allows people to stay in their homes longer, even as their mobility decreases.

Future-proofing also comes into play when one considers the current aging population of the UK. With the inexorable drift in demographics there will inevitably be a growing demand for accessible housing. Planning for M4(2) homes ensures that the housing stock will meet future demand, reducing the pressure on healthcare and social services.

Diversity benefits are also accentuated. Towns that plan for accessible housing are more likely to attract a diverse population, including older adults and people with disabilities, who contribute to the local economy and social fabric.

A wider economic case

A lesser known dimension of town planning is the role we play in embedding economic efficiencies.  By incorporating M4(2) standards into town planning from the outset, local authorities can avoid the higher costs associated with retrofitting existing homes. This is more cost-efficient for both developers and future homeowners.

Development viability is a constant watch word town planners have to juggle along with all the other considerations we have to take into account in assessing planning proposals.

But how many of you realise that the incorporation of accessible homes actually has positives in this regard for developers? Homes that meet M4(2) standards can be more attractive to buyers, particularly as the population ages. This can lead to higher property values and a more stable housing market.

Social benefits

Accessible homes can increase liveability and quality of life. When integrated into urban planning accessible homes ensure that people with disabilities or limited mobility can access public services, transportation, and amenities more easily. This enhances their quality of life and allows them to participate fully in community life.

Accessible homes also reduce the risk of accidents and promote independence, leading to better physical and mental health outcomes for residents.

There are also job creation benefits;an increased focus on adaptability and accessibility in homes may lead to new opportunities in local construction, adaptation services, and maintenance sectors, fostering local economic growth.

In summary, from a town planning perspective, M4(2) homes offer significant benefits by promoting inclusion, future-proofed housing, enhanced liveability, legal compliance, and supporting sustainable and economically vibrant communities.

These homes are an essential component of modern, forward-thinking urban planning. So, let’s have M4(2) now!