Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland's homes: consultation

Annex L – Section 12 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide: Storage

The clauses within Section 12 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide are set out in the table starting on the next page. Where a clause relates to dwellings for wheelchair users, this is highlighted within the table.

Column 3 of the table shows our proposal for each clause for the update to Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide. The design criteria that we are proposing to include ‘as standard’ in future dwellings delivered to Housing for Varying Needs standards through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme for each category of need – and to accommodation delivered through the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund (or subsequent funding) where the standard is relevant in Gypsy/Traveller accommodation – are highlighted in the third column of the table.

Informed by the proposals detailed in Chapter 3, column 4 shows which clauses are proposed to be introduced into building standards and guidance to implement the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard, along with those that are not applicable for inclusion.

It is important to note that the final proposals contained in the table will be subject to change based upon the outcome of the consultation.

12 Storage

12.1 The needs

12.1.1 In all dwellings there should be adequate and easily accessible storage for: outdoor clothes (beside entrance door); cleaning and other household equipment (vacuum cleaner, mop, ironing board, etc); linen; general storage (suitcases, equipment for hobbies, DIY, gardening, garden chairs. etc); in family houses a pram; special items such as baby equipment, sports gear or aids for older and disabled people.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

12.1 The needs

12.1.2 Any cupboard providing space for water cylinders or tanks, or bedroom wardrobe space, is additional to these storage needs.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that it would be a standard design criterion that any cupboard providing space for water cylinders or tanks, or bedroom wardrobe space, must be additional to the storage needs set out in clause 12.1.1.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

12.2 Provision

12.2.1 All storage should be easily accessible to someone with impaired mobility and should partly be in shallow cupboards 500mm – 600mm deep, that could be shelved, and partly in walk-in cupboards to take larger items.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

12.2 Provision

12.2.2 Where meters are located in storage space they must not be on rear walls but should be immediately adjacent to the door so that they can be easily read and the storage space can be fully utilised.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in cases where meters are located in storage space.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

12.2 Provision

12.2.3 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Cupboards should have full width doors. These should be hinged and open through 180^o or be sliding-folding so that the doors, when open, do not hamper access. There must be a clear space in front of the doors of 1200mm to allow wheelchair access and manoeuvre. The floor of the storage area must be continuous with the main floor, without a base plate.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

12.2 Provision

12.2.4 Dwellings for wheelchair users: In addition to the usual storage requirements provision must be made for the storage of more than one wheelchair and other equipment. A disabled person may have two wheelchairs for a variety of reasons. There should be provision for storage for one of these in or adjacent to the hall or lobby, and for the other in or adjacent to the bedroom. Also a disabled person is likely to have other bulky special equipment, e.g. a portable hoist, standing frame, medical supplies, and therefore there should be adequate and convenient storage provision for these.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the words ‘or lobby’ would be removed from the third sentence in the updated guide given the proposals referenced above for section 9.7.

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

12.2 Provision

Fig 12.1 Accessible shelved storage

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

12.2 Provision

Fig 12.2 Cupboard to take wheelchair or pram

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.