• Print it
  • Email it
  • Other Bulletins

Multi-generation homes trend sparks add-on rule change call

Flemmich Webb, Planning, 5 June 2009

Planning laws should be relaxed to make it easier for families to add accommodation to their homes for elderly relatives, according to a social think-tank.

The Relationships Foundation said the rising number of pensioners, falling pensions, higher child care costs and a depressed housing market mean that more people are living with relatives than ever before. The organisation is also keen to see social housing bodies encouraged to build more multi-generational homes.

Report author Peter Lynas said "Multi-generational living allows families to help each other out and prevents loneliness. It is not for everyone, but we must make it easier for those who want to do it."

However, RTPI development management network chairwoman Janet Askew argued that such a relaxation is not practical. "We agree with the sentiments behind the proposals and there is already the potential to add 'granny rooms' without additional consent. But to make it easier to build separate dwellings would make the system open to abuse."

Recent research by Lloyds TSB Insurance found that 500,000 homes in Britain are occupied by several generations. However, this represents just two per cent of the UK's stock.

  • Print it
  • Email it
  • Other Bulletins

Full Access Subscription

Get full access free for a month

From £110 a year for full access to all the above information and services

PlanningResource is the leading source of information spanning the UK planning sector.

  • Daily breaking news By sector and by region, news as it happens
  • Appeals Access summaries of full reports from planning inspectors 
  • News by email Sign up to daily and weekly bulletins relevant to your interests
  • Your career News, advice and information to help you get ahead
  • Resource library A wealth of advice and tips to help you do your job better
  • Archive Search more than 42,000 articles from PlanningResource, Planning, Regeneration & Renewal and Regen.net
  • Opinion and debate Join the discussion about current issues and developments

This week's casebook

Download appeal decisions featured in this week’s issue of Planning magazine.

Log in

Send password reminder

Want to activate your access?

If you subscribe to Planning magazine or are a member of the RTPI, you are also entitled to full access to PlanningResource. 

OR

Close

Find your reader code

Look for the seven-digit code starting with a letter that is printed next to the address on the polythene wrapper in which you receive your magazine each week.


Alternatively, call our subscriptions department on 020 8606 7500 to find out your reader code.