Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration

18 The Size of New Dwellings

The development of a range of dwellings in size and type will be encouraged. Regard will be paid to:

  • the need to provide accommodation for new, small households;
  • the floor area of individual buildings - in particular any relevant floor space standards or guidelines;
  • the density and character of development that is suitable in the area (ref. Policy 21); and
  • the client group for whom the dwellings are intended.

Units for small households needing 1 or 2 bedrooms will be sought:

  • through appropriate conversions of buildings (Policy 19); and
  • by requiring the provision of some 1 and 2 bedroom units:
    • on large housing sites (i.e. sites over 2 hectares in area and/or capable of accommodating at least 50 dwellings) and those sites specifically identified in the Schedule of Housing Proposal Sites; and
    • on smaller housing sites in large villages and selected small villages, where there is clear evidence of a need for such units, as identified by a recent housing needs assessment or village appraisal.

At least 10% of all dwellings on housing sites accommodating 25 or more dwellings shall be designed as life-time homes (i.e. they shall be readily accessible and usable by a disabled or elderly person or capable of adaptation for such use at minimal cost).

Developers may also be required to make provision for some live-work units in appropriate locations.

For more information please see the Local Plan