February 2008
Every new home built in England will have to be designed to suit an ageing population, under plans being unveiled by the government this week.
Ministers want all new homes to include 16 features such as stairs wide enough for stair lifts, downstairs bathrooms, and room for wheelchairs to turn.
The government wants the standards to be adopted from April this year. If not taken up, they could become compulsory in 2013.
Dana Davies, Managing Director of leading shower Enclosure Company, Merlyn Industries comments, "The government is following rather than setting a trend here. Products for "inclusive" design currently represent over 40% of our current portfolio. This initiative will obviously see the demand for this type of products increasing but we have to ensure the industry doesn’t see this as a ‘meal ticket’ but rather seizes the opportunity to seriously deliver against expectations with exciting innovations. Taking a pro, rather than re, active stance is essential. The inclusion of features such as wider openings, low level trays, easy entry systems, and shower valves with thermostatic anti-scalding devices need to be included as standard. Government intervention in new build and new product development is likely to increase. The trend towards "inclusive living" and environmental awareness is certainly not a fad. We have ensured that all new Merlyn products are ‘fit for service’."
