Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document Review - Final Draft

Habinteg believe that all new homes should be built to Part M4(2) accessible and adaptable to help meet the national accessible homes deficit. We believe the 'waiver' language should be firmer, so that there is a narrower definition given for when the standard may not be applied. A definition which firmly places the burden of proof onto the developer which will help minimise instances where compliance with the policy is argued out during the planning permission process. Alongside an increased supply of accessible and adaptable homes it is critical that an adequate number of homes are built to Category M4(3) wheelchair user dwelling standard. We would therefore like to see Ipswich set a similar requirement for wheelchair user dwellings as that set down in the London Plan which requires that, 10% of new homes comply with Part M4(3) Standard (the other 90% required to be built to part M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard).