Space in new homes

Design Council Cabe present their case for functional, flexible and fit-for-purpose homes, focusing on the need to ensure residents have an adequate amount of space in their homes.  

If homes are to have a long life, they must offer functional and adaptable spaces that meet the needs of families, children, older people and disabled residents.

While minimum space standards are still required for social housing and for development on publicly owned land, there are no national minimum space standards. That means that neither building regulations nor the planning system specify minimum floor space for privately developed homes in England. The result has been private housing which does not consistently provide what Design Council Cabe deem to be adequate space.