Policy information sourced from The Woking Local Development Document - Core Strategy

CS13: Older people and vulnerable groups

The Council will support the development of specialist accommodation for older people and vulnerable groups in suitable locations. The level of need will be that reflected in the latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment. This will include the provision of new schemes and remodelling of older, poorer quality sheltered housing which is no longer fit for purpose.

Existing specialist accommodation will be protected unless it can be demonstrated that there is insufficient need/ demand for that type of accommodation.

New specialist accommodation should be of high quality design, including generous space standards and generous amenity space. At least 50% of schemes should have two bedrooms (unless the development is entirely for affordable units when a smaller percentage may be more appropriate). Bed-sit development will be discouraged.

The Council will allocate specific sites through the Site Allocations DPD to assist in bringing suitable sites forward to meet need.

New specialist accommodation should incorporate “Lifetime Homes” standards and be capable of being readily adapted to meet the needs of those with disabilities and the elderly. A percentage of new specialist accommodation will be required to be fully wheelchair accessible.

The Council will work with partners in consultation with the community to ensure access to key local services such as public transport and community facilities.

The Council will work with partners to seek to provide the necessary infrastructure to support specialist accommodation, including homes for the elderly. The Council will seek to develop the role of the community centres and where feasible seek to provide new schemes such as community hubs which provide leisure, recreation, and education and community activities for older people and vulnerable groups.

For more information please see the Core Strategy