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Below are described the key elements
of the life time homes criteria. They are brief description of the
minimum required criteria to meet the standard, further information
can be found at the
Lifetime Homes Website.
Where a dwelling has car parking within its
individual plot (or title) boundary, at least one parking space length should be
capable of enlargement to achieve a minimum width of 3300mm.
Where parking is provided by communal or
shared bays, spaces with a width of 3300mm, in accordance with the specification
below, should be provided.
The distance from the car parking space of
Criterion 1 to the dwelling entrance (or relevant block entrance or lift core),
should be kept to a minimum and be level or gently sloping. The distance from
visitors parking to relevant entrances should be as short as practicable and be
level or gently sloping.
The approach to all entrances should
preferably be level or gently sloping, and in accordance with the specification
below.
All entrances should:
a) Be illuminated
b) Have level access over the threshold; and
c) Have effective clear opening widths and
nibs as specified below.
In addition, main entrances should also:
d) Have adequate weather protection
e) Have a level external landing.
Principal access stairs should provide easy
access in accordance with the specification below, regardless of whether or not
a lift is provided.
Where a dwelling is reached by a lift, it
should be fully accessible in accordance with the specification below.
Movement in hallways and through doorways
should be as convenient to the widest range of people, including those using
mobility aids or wheelchairs, and those moving furniture or other objects. As a
general principle, narrower hallways and landings will need wider doorways in
their side walls. The width of doorways and hallways should conform to the
specification below.
There should be space for turning a wheelchair
in dining areas and living rooms and basic circulation space for wheelchair
users elsewhere.
A living room / living space should be
provided on the entrance level of every dwelling (see Appendix 1 for definition
of ‘entrance level’).
In dwellings with two or more storeys, with no
permanent bedroom on the entrance level, there should be space on the entrance
level that could be used as a convenient temporary bed-space.
Where an accessible bathroom, in accordance
with Criterion 14, is not provided on the entrance level of a dwelling, the
entrance level should have an accessible WC compartment, with potential for a
shower to be installed – as detailed in the specification below. (See Appendix 1
for definition of entrance level).
Walls in all bathrooms and WC compartments
should be capable of firm fixing and support for adaptations such as grab rails.
The design within a dwelling of two or more
storeys should incorporate both:
b) A suitable identified space for a
through-the–floor lift from the entrance level to a storey containing a main
bedroom and a bathroom satisfying Criterion 14.
Structure above a main bedroom and bathroom
ceilings should be capable of supporting ceiling hoists and the design should
provide a reasonable route between this bedroom and the bathroom.
An accessible bathroom, providing ease of
access in accordance with the specification below, should be provided in every
dwelling on the same storey as a main bedroom.
Windows in the principal living space
(typically the living room), should allow people to see out when seated. In
addition, at least one opening light in each habitable room should be
approachable and usable by a wide range of people – including those with
restricted movement and reach (see Note 1).
Service controls should be within a height
band of 450mm to1200mm from the floor and at least 300mm away from any internal
room corner.