Southwest
Environmental LimitedSouthwest
Environmental Limited| London |
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| Exeter |
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| Manchester |
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| Bristol |
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Below are described the key elements of the Lifetime Homes criteria. They are brief descriptions of the minimum required criteria to meet the standard.
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:
In addition, main entrances should also have adequate weather protection and 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. 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 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.
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 the potential for stair lift installation and a suitable identified space for a through-the-floor lift.
Structure above a main bedroom and bathroom ceilings should be capable of supporting ceiling hoists and provide a reasonable route between these rooms.
An accessible bathroom, providing ease of access, should be provided in every dwelling on the same storey as a main bedroom.
Windows in the principal living space should allow people to see out when seated. At least one opening light in each habitable room should be approachable and usable by those with restricted movement.
Service controls should be within a height band of 450mm to 12
The below section was written by a machine.
The Lifetime Homes standard consists of 16 specific design criteria intended to make housing more functional for everyone, from families with young children to older people with limited mobility. While these standards were originally developed to bridge the gap between standard housing and wheelchair-accessible housing, they are now frequently referenced in sustainability strategies and local planning policies across the UK.
The criteria ensure that a home is adaptable throughout a person's life without the need for massive structural changes. Key elements include:
Understanding these criteria is essential for developers aiming to meet Building Regulations Part M and specific planning statement requirements. By incorporating these principles early in the design phase, projects can achieve better long-term outcomes for residents and improve overall social sustainability. At SWEL, we provide technical insight into how these standards integrate with broader Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and residential design.