Policy information sourced from the Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan

Policy 13 Housing Mix and Standards

A. Development should generally provide a mix of sizes and types of accommodation. Areas within PTALs 3-6 or within 800m distance of a station or town centre boundary should provide a higher proportion of small units (studios and 1 beds). For market housing, there is highest demand for 2 and 3 beds.The affordable housing mix should be based on discussions with a Registered Provider(s) to reflect local needs, in accordance with Policy 11 ‘Affordable Housing (Strategic Policy) ‘. The housing mix should be appropriate to the site-specifics of the location.

B. All new housing development, including conversions, are required to comply with the Nationally Described Space Standard. As also set out in London Plan Policy D6 on private internal space, the minimum floor to ceiling height must be 2.5m for at least 75 per cent of the Gross Internal Area of each dwelling. New homes significantly above the minimum standard that do not make efficient use of land will be resisted.

C. All new housing development, including conversions, should provide adequate external space. Purpose built, well designed and positioned balconies or terraces are encouraged where new residential units are on upper floors, if they comply with Policy 46 ‘Amenity and Living Conditions ‘. Regard should be had to the Council’s Residential Development Standards SPD as appropriate.

D. Amenity space for all new dwellings, including conversions, should be:

  1. private, usable, functional and safe;
  2. easily accessible from living areas;
  3. orientated to take account of need for sunlight and shading;
  4. of a sufficient size to meet the needs of the likely number of occupiers; and
  5. accommodation likely to be occupied by families with young children should have direct and easy access to adequate private amenity space.

E. At least 10% of all new build housing (via works to which Approved Document M (ADM) Volume 1 of the Building Regulations applies) is required to meet Building Regulation Requirement M4 (3) ‘wheelchair user dwellings’ and all other new build housing (created via works to which Part M volume 1 of the Building Regulations applies) is required to meet Building Regulation Requirement M4 (2) ‘accessible and adaptable dwellings’, in accordance with London Plan Policy D7. Design and Access Statements, submitted as part of development proposals, should include an inclusive design statement as set out in London Plan Policy D5 to demonstrate how the highest standards of accessible and inclusive design have been achieved.

For more information please see the Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan