Elderly Planning

Globally, the proportion of older adults aged 65 and over is projected to increase steadily over the coming decades, with research indicating a population of 2.1 billion older adults across the world by 2050. Chris Hawkins looks into the changes needed to the planning system to accommodate changing demographics.

 

The UK in particular is seeing a significant increase in the over 65s with Census data showing that from 2011 to 2021 the number of people hitting their late 60’s will grow from 9.2 million to 11 million.

 

By 2035, those in the 65 plus category are set to reach over 22% of the UK’s population, equating to an increase of 5.9m people. Yet, we have a planning and housing system still stuck in providing new housing stock for first time buyers or families. It needs a seismic change.

 

It will be a challenge for planners and developers alike, to ensure that there is suitable provision for this change in demographic, and with current lead in times for development, the work starts now. This means working with Local Authorities to promote sites for this specific need, as well as preparing applications for suitable sites.    

 

In 2021, 97.3% of the over 65s lived in private households, with the remainder (2.7%) living in communal establishments, mainly care homes. At DHA we are currently promoting a number of new care homes, care villages and older persons accommodation across the country both through the Local Plans process and as planning applications, helping to establish enough provision for the expected growth in demand for these facilities. The variety of schemes we are involved in recognises elderly persons housing isn’t just care homes, but the challenge is making Local Plans recognise this too!

 

Working with the likes of Retirement Villages, Inspired Villages, Rugby Living and Aspire Care its clear the concept of care and elderly person living is changing; with communal areas now containing bistros, cinemas and well-kept gardens. These homes are designed to be a place that people want to live in, rather than needing to live in. Often, they are provided with play-spaces for grandchildren which encourages longer stays for family Members.

Unfortunately, many Local Planning Authorities are failing to meet this growing need within their Local Plans. We have seen from numerous appeal decisions that the lack of suitable sites is often an overriding justification for allowing care homes on unallocated, greenfield sites.

 

In securing planning permission on sites of this nature, there is a requirement to demonstrate that the authority has an overriding need that is not being met, and importantly, will not be met in the future. We have developed a significant evidence base which identifies the likely demand, both on a national level, and also within individual districts and boroughs. Working with Experion and Census data (as well as an authority’s own evidence) we are able to provide evidence for need on a case-by-case basis, and to actively engage with the Council Planners and Housing Officers to explain how we can address any shortfall.

 

For more information on the provision of care homes, please contact Chris Hawkins at chris.hawkins@dhaplanning.co.uk.