Provision For the Elderly

February 2011

Developers should think about provision for the elderly when they’re contemplating what to do with their sites.

That’s the view of Januarys Director of Planning Colin Brown, who says that Cambridge will have a shortage of appropriate accommodation in years to come.

“Latest statistics show that more than half of Cambridge’s population is going to be over 55 by the early 2020s.

“Figures also suggest that 40 per cent of adults are likely to move house at least once after they turn 65 and that a quarter of those over the age of 60 would prefer their accommodation to be some sort of specialist housing.

“Faced with such statistics, it’s no surprise that 2008’s Strategic Housing Market Assessment for Cambridge indicated that current provision falls some way short of demand.

“It would therefore seem sensible that developers investigate the options available to them in terms of building elderly-friendly property.

“A good example of where this is currently happening is on the site of the old Milton Road School.

“Here, we’re working with the TLC Group, who currently have two care homes in Cambridge. TLC want to obtain planning permission for 55 one and two bed apartments which are specifically designed for people whose needs fall somewhere between sheltered housing and full time residential care.

“The plans also include a proposal for 9 flats and other facilities such as communal areas and a public café area.

“Location of homes such as these is critical. Being in the centre of a community is important, as are nearby bus routes.

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New Government Planning Policy

Changes to planning appeals procedures

Planners have a role to play

Importance of Lease Length at Rent Review

Landlord and Tenant Act Reforms