the mental health & dementia facilities magazine October 2025 COMMENT Can the National Planning Policy Framework aid the delivery of later living housing ACOUSTIC FLOORING Reducing noise to support stress-free environments Inside the Hospital Rooms project Art that heals mhdf Cover Oct 2025.indd 1 07/10/2025 16:04
BATH-OVER-BATH SHOWER-OVER-SHOWER Hospitality Health Multi-unit Cruise ships Student Accommodation Military Assisted living Council housing CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION 020452 52255 BATHFITTER.CO.UK +353 01 592 1717 BATHFITTER.IE A BETTER WAY TO RENOVATE For 40 years, Bath Fitter has revolutionized bath renovation. Our process puts a new bath or shower in place in as little as one day, with no messy demolition. Best of all, our product is built to last for a lifetime. INDUSTRIES SERVED MHDF Adverts Oct 25.indd 2 09/10/2025 10:43
mhdf magazine 3 Art that heals: Inside the Hospital Rooms project Contents 5 News A round-up of the latest news and events in the sector 8 Hospital Rooms Helen Adkins talks to Niamh White, one of the founders of arts charity Hospital Rooms, about creating therapeutic and innovative artwork in UK mental health units, and why it matters for patients and staff alike 12 Preview A look at what to expect at the mental health and dementia facilities forum on 27-28 November 2025 Editor’s note October 2025 Hospital Rooms: making mental health spaces more human Across the NHS there are strong examples of thoughtful, therapeutic design. Yet, particularly in older estates, many mental health units still reflect a safety-first brief where walls are bare, palettes are institutional and the atmosphere can feel more custodial than restorative. For people already in distress, such environments risk deepening isolation. They can imply that the priority is containment, not recovery. Hospital Rooms, a UK charity founded in 2016, has spent the past decade showing there is another way. By commissioning world-class artists to create site-specific works for inpatient units, it has transformed dozens of spaces across the country — from high-secure forensic wards to mother-and-baby units. Every project is developed in partnership with patients and staff, ensuring that the art reflects lived experience as much as artistic vision. The impact is more than aesthetic. Evidence suggests that well-designed surroundings reduce stress, aid sleep and improve staff morale. Patients in Hospital Rooms’ projects describe feeling recognised and valued, and no longer invisible within the health system. Staff, too, report that the spaces help to build trust and ease communication. This work challenges an entrenched idea – that art is peripheral to healthcare. The reality is that recovery is not only medical but social, cultural and environmental. For the NHS, investing in art could prove a cost-effective strategy that improves outcomes and humanises care. Hospital Rooms is not asking us to imagine a utopia. It is demonstrating, ward by ward, how to make mental health services more humane. What is needed now is sustained commitment from funders and policymakers to embed this vision across the system. Because the quality of care is inseparable from the quality of the spaces in which it happens. Helen Adkins Editor Helen.Adkins@stable-media.co.uk the mental health & dementia facilities magazine Publishers Stable Publishing Limited SBC House, Restmor Way Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. sales@healthcaredm.co.uk healthcaredm.co.uk Editor Helen Adkins Production Nicola Cann Design Gemma England Media Sales Manager Terry Stafford Head of Sales Julian Walter Managing Director Toby Filby The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. 14 Acoustic flooring Dave Ford, specifications manager, North, Altro, discusses how flooring can be used to control noise and improve wellbeing in care homes 17 Comment As the Labour government pushes ahead with reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, Zoe Curran, senior planner at Boyer (London) asks whether the changes will support the delivery of later living housing, or whether they risk deepening the current crisis 5 17 8 14 mhdf Leader Oct 2025.indd 3 10/10/2025 11:14
® THE WORLDS LEADING BRAND OF VISION PANEL The architects first choice for installations in hospitals www.vistamatic.com Installed in over 90% of NHS hospitals in the UK FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR NEW BLACKOUT BLINDS MHDF Adverts Oct 25.indd 4 09/10/2025 10:43
mhdf magazine 5 NEWS South West faces urgent need for new care homes The south west of England is heading towards a severe shortage of modern elderly care home places, according to new analysis from specialist business property adviser Christie & Co. Its South West Healthcare Market Insight 2025 highlights provision already under pressure across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and West Dorset, with too few purpose-built homes coming through to meet demand from a rapidly ageing population. The report points to three converging pressures; an older demographic profile than the UK average; a legacy estate dominated by smaller, converted homes; and only minimal net growth in bed numbers despite both closures and new openings since 2021. The South West has 35% more residents aged over 65 than the UK average and 38% more over-85s — among the highest ratios in the country. The report states that these demographics, combined with relatively strong affluence, suggest robust private fee-paying potential. Average house prices are 10% above the UK norm and 41% of residents own their homes outright, 24% higher than the national average. However, current stock lags behind modern standards. Of the region’s 722 care homes, only 24% are purpose-built, compared with 44% nationally. Homes are typically smaller, offering 35 beds on average versus 42 across the UK, and only 26% of beds have wetroom facilities. Cornwall has the lowest proportion of purpose-built homes at 15%, while Devon has the smallest proportion of larger facilities, with only 11% offering more than 40 beds. Despite these constraints, occupancy remains high at around 90.3%, in line with the national average — a clear indicator of demand. Capacity growth has been limited. Since 2021, 64 homes have closed across the four counties, removing 1,813 beds. Over the same period 1,914 new beds have been registered, equating to a net gain of just 101 places in four years. New homes average 40 beds, with Cornwall’s the smallest at 27 and Dorset’s the largest at 55. As of June 2025, only 456 beds are under construction — well below what will be required to meet projected demand. The shortfall is already stark. Christie & Co estimates the South West currently lacks 16,973 wetroom-standard beds, with the gap forecast to grow to 18,289 by 2030 and 23,056 by 2035. Devon faces the sharpest deficit, projected at over 10,600 beds within a decade. Karun Ahluwalia, director of Healthcare Consultancy at Christie & Co, said: ‘Smaller, converted homes are often well placed to cater to their local markets, particularly in more rural areas. However, rising demand and a shortage of modern wetroom facilities present a strong opportunity for regional and corporate care operators to gain an early mover advantage through new developments. Operators can also explore retrofitting or reconfiguring older properties to meet current market expectations, which would strengthen their competitiveness and resilience.’ • www.christie.com/sectors/care/southwest-healthcare-market-insight-2025 5, 6. News.indd 5 10/10/2025 11:17
6 mhdf magazine NEWS Friends of the Elderly opens new state-of-the-art care home in Reading Charity Friends of the Elderly has officially opened Friends Place, a new purpose-built care home in Calcot, Reading, offering residential, dementia, respite and day care. The opening marks a major milestone for the charity, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. Friends Place has been designed to combine modern facilities with a warm, welcoming environment, creating what the charity describes as ‘a place to belong’ for older people. The home provides 66 spacious en-suite rooms, alongside a cinema, beauty salon, bar, garden room and landscaped grounds. Residents also benefit from a full activities programme, from exercise classes and live entertainment to crafts and themed dining experiences. Mark Wilson, interim co-chief executive of Friends of the Elderly, said: ‘We’re proud to offer a modern home where every detail has been designed with residents’ wellbeing in mind. Friends Place brings high-quality care and 30 new jobs to the local area, and we’re delighted to now be part of the Calcot community.’ General manager Alina Gutu, previously at The Lawn in Alton, added: ‘Friends Place is a home in every sense of the word. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where people feel valued and connected.’ • www.fote.org.uk 5, 6. News.indd 6 10/10/2025 11:17
Primary Focus The control and/or regulation of colour temperature (purely aesthetic) Human-Centric Lighting Primary Focus The control and regulation of blue light frequencies (480-490nm) while maintaining high CRI (>90) As well as mimicking daylight colour change, also mimics the brain’s ‘master clock’ circadian response to: Wakefulness during daytime (high blue light) Sleep during the evening (depleted blue light) ✔ ✔ Mimics the changing colour temperature of daylight. (Non-visible blue light is still present) Limited influence on melatonin levels Limited impact upon alertness and sleep ✘ ✘ Fully Illuminated Multiple Light Output Modes Direct Light Only Indirect Light Only More than Human-Centric Lighting Book a demo or site consultation today - lightyearsahead.co.uk Lucca +44 (0) 1787 881191 info@lightyearsahead.co.uk lightyearsahead.co.uk Light Years Ahead Church Field Road Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2YA More than just Human-Centric Lighting. Scan or visit lya.co.uk/melagen for more details. Anti-Ligature and Anti-Vandal spec available. Switch between combined, direct only and indirect only output, to support a range of activities, times of day and therapeutic goals. with Blue-enriched light promotes alertness andwakefulness Day Blue-depleted light promotes better quality sleep Night 4200K Blue-enriched, combined direct & indirect mode 2200K Blue-depleted, indirect mode only MHDF Adverts Oct 25.indd 7 09/10/2025 10:43
8 mhdf magazine INTERVIEW through art Transforming mental health spaces Niamh White, talks to Helen Adkins about how art, co-production and creativity are transforming mental health units through the charity she co-founded, Hospital Rooms HELEN ADKINS: What originally motivated you to start Hospital Rooms and how did your background influence that decision? NIAMH WHITE: We started Hospital Rooms in 2016. Before that, my partner Tim and I had been working in the arts. I was a curator, working in different galleries and with different artists, putting on exhibitions and projects. Tim is a practising artist but also ran a technical business, helping artists fabricate and install works. Often we worked together, putting on shows. We had built up a community and expertise around building beautiful environments, leading creative programmes and working with artists. The turning point came when one of our close friends was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. She had tried to take her life and was required to stay 8, 9, 10, 11. Hospital Rooms – art and mental health.indd 8 07/10/2025 16:10
mhdf magazine 9 INTERVIEW in an inpatient ward. The environment was not just clinical and functional, it was dilapidated, rundown, abrasive and bordering on hostile. We were in the privileged position of being shocked by that and, after looking closer at the sector, realised that this was not a one-off. Tim immediately suggested we should try to do something in one of these spaces. Having run creative projects together before, we thought it might be another one-off initiative, but, at first, the NHS said absolutely not. They thought the artworks would be vandalised and people wouldn’t take part in creative programmes. We spoke to numerous people in NHS mental health hospitals for two years before we convinced a medical director at South West London and St George’s NHS Trust in Tooting to give us a chance. She said that there was a ward for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and why didn’t we have a go. We worked with fantastic artists such as Nick Knight, Gavin Turk and Assemble. They visited the unit, ran workshops with patients and staff, and although people were very unwell at the time, it showed this was possible. Each artist created work for a particular room, responding to the quiet room or the dining room in a unique and site-specific way. The artworks met infection control, ligature risk and health and safety requirements. With Tim’s expertise, we fabricated everything to a very high level and installed it as we would in any museum. From there momentum built. The need was enormous, and many wards began contacting us, asking if we could help improve their environments. The press was crucial. The Guardian and the BBC covered it, and that made a big difference. Since then we have been proactive about building awareness through exhibitions, social media and community-building events. What did you hope to achieve in the beginning? We want to make people feel differently about their experience in mental health units, as the visual and sensory environment communicates so much when language fails. We wanted the change to be that when patients opened their eyes, so they felt safe and not afraid. That was our basic goal. Our friend was always in our minds when we did that. She didn’t want to be here anymore – when she opened her eyes, what she saw mattered. Whenever we have crafted projects she has been at the front of our minds. Every patient is her. And we have worked hard on impact and evaluation. The repeated finding is an enhancement of self-worth. That is what we work on – making people feel valued. We also think about connectedness and the feeling of being linked to the outside world when so many liberties have been taken away. The arts can rebuild that profoundly, complementing other care. Can you talk me through what happens when you go into one of these places and deliver a project? Over nine years we have developed a curatorial methodology. It is a sixphase process. The first phase is research and development. Our team spends about three months on the ward, leading >> ‘We want to make people feel differently about their experience in mental health units, as the visual and sensory environment communicates so much when language fails’ Jo Bruton: Avalon Ward, Springfield Hospital (2023) © Hospital Rooms/Damien Griffiths John Booth: Northside House Social Hub (2021) © Hospital Rooms/Damian Griffiths 8, 9, 10, 11. Hospital Rooms – art and mental health.indd 9 07/10/2025 16:10
10 mhdf magazine INTERVIEW creative sessions, running focus groups and interviews, and gathering data. We learn what the aspirations are, when workshops can take place and how we can have the most impact. The second phase is preparedness. We select artists based on that research, often choosing those who have a connection to the site. We plan the co-production journey and prepare our teams with cultural or sensory awareness if needed. The third phase is co-production, which can last eight to ten months. We might run up to fifty workshops. Artists share their practice, invite people to create, reflect on the environment and propose ideas for the spaces they have been assigned. The fourth phase is compliance. We make sure all work meets safety standards, is ligature-proof, infectioncontrol compliant and signed off by estates and health and safety teams. The fifth phase is installation. We fabricate and install the artworks to museum-quality standards. The final phase is public programme and evaluation. We partner with cultural institutions to exhibit the work publicly, run talks and raise awareness. We then publish evaluations and take our findings to conferences and research partners. It usually takes around 18 months per site. We work in new builds where we can influence the design, which is exciting and, of course, in existing estates. We are not just hanging pictures, we are rethinking wall colours, spatial experiences and the patient’s journey. How do you meet compliance standards such as anti-ligature requirements etc? There is no special treatment for us. We must meet every requirement. That means no framing, no glazing and no standard screws. Instead, we paint directly onto walls and varnish the surface. Sometimes we print onto materials such as Dibond, which is scrub-proof but can still achieve a very high quality and beautiful result. We have embedded ceramics into walls with anti-pick mastic. In mother and baby units we use fireproof, hot-washable materials that are still soft and comforting. None of it is impossible. Artists are great at adapting, and our materials team helps them think ambitiously within those limits. What are your main challenges, especially working with the NHS? The biggest challenge is asking people to do something they have no frame of reference for, in environments where there are real risks. Institutional thinking is another hurdle. We often hear ‘we have always done it this way’ or ‘pastel equals calm’. Breaking down those beliefs is part of the process. We now take staff on the journey too. We help them experience creativity, take them to museums and show them art is not elitist or infantilising. We explain that it is not about liking every artwork. Some you will love, and some you might not understand, and that is fine. ‘Old environments were grim and oppressive, reflecting depression back onto patients. After artwork goes in, people say: ‘I lift my head and feel like a different person. I feel valued’ Installation view: ‘Hospital Rooms. Digital Art School,’ Hauser & Wirth, London (2024) © Hospital Rooms/Tim Bowditch) 8, 9, 10, 11. Hospital Rooms – art and mental health.indd 10 07/10/2025 16:10
mhdf magazine 11 INTERVIEW We see ourselves as mediators between NHS staff and artists. They speak different languages, but both want the same thing. We try to build trusting relationships. Artists come with no pre-set ideas. They listen and engage first. We tell NHS leadership that this is not a catalogue situation where you pick blue or orange. If you believe in co-production, trust that process. Of course, if there is a safety or compliance issue, we adapt. But the most successful projects involve respectful dialogue. Sometimes we accept feedback, other times we push back if it is what the community asked for. What kind of impact have you seen on patients? The strongest theme is value. Old environments were grim and oppressive, reflecting depression back onto patients. After artwork goes in, people say: ‘I lift my head and feel like a different person. I feel valued.’ Patients who took part in workshops often recognise themselves in the work, which builds self-esteem. We also see skill-building. Patients may start by not joining workshops, but gradually they return, create more and build confidence. Connectedness is another key impact. People feel that outsiders care. We link them to cultural institutions and exhibit work publicly, which gives them pride and a sense of belonging. Our data shows these three areas consistently – value, skill-building and connectedness. How does it work financially? We are a charity with a diversified funding base. We are an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, so we receive a small core income and project grants. We also apply for philanthropic grants, run auctions with Hauser & Wirth, sell limited editions and ask NHS trusts to contribute to projects. That secures commitment and buy-in What is next for Hospital Rooms? We have just begun a large project across four NHS Trusts in Bristol, London, Birmingham and Yorkshire. We will commission 52 artworks and lead around 150 creative sessions. We are also drafting our methodology into a framework we can share and opensource. This could help us scale regionally and internationally. Finally, what have you learned personally and professionally from this work? Mental health systems are full of hierarchies and power dynamics, but art is a leveller. Artists bring new conversations that are not about diagnoses. You connect creatively, make something together and find common ground. That is powerful. In the early years we questioned ourselves, but over time we have seen the joy, magic and transformation that can happen in just one hour. Our ethos is to stick a flag in the sand and say: this is what we believe, this is what we do, who wants to do it with us? • hospital-rooms.com Valerie Amani, Molly Bonnell, Louis Caseley, Siphiwe Mnguni and Tom Shepherd-Barron: café at Springfield Hospital (2023) © Hospital Rooms Libita Clayton and Nina Royle: entrance to Lavender and Jupiter Ward, Springfield Hospital (2023) © Hospital Rooms/Damien Griffiths Gregorian by Abigail Reynolds: Perran Ward at Camborne Redruth Community Hospital, (2024) © Hospital Rooms/Oliver Udy 8, 9, 10, 11. Hospital Rooms – art and mental health.indd 11 07/10/2025 16:10
12 mhdf magazine PREVIEW mental health &2025 dementia facilities forum The mental health and dementia facilities forum is a unique networking event designed to bring together architects, contractors, M&E contractors and NHS Foundation Trusts, as well as private mental healthcare providers and care homes, with innovative industry suppliers. This year’s theme is: Built to Care: prioritising humancentred design Our theme this year highlights the idea that every element of a building – from its layout and lighting to its materials and maintenance – should ultimately serve the people within it. The term Built to Care focuses on how design and operational choices can promote dignity, safety and wellbeing for those living and working in mental health and dementia care environments. We are calling on architects, estates professionals and suppliers to go beyond compliance and functionality to create spaces that actively support healing, empathy and connection. Human-centred design becomes not just a philosophy but a practical foundation for better care outcomes. ATTEND THE FORUM AS A SUPPLIER Over one and a half days, you’ll benefit from a tailored schedule of one-toone meetings with your chosen mhdf project delegates, including architects, contractors, project managers and consultants delivering projects across the UK. What’s included: • One-to-one scheduled meetings • An abundance of networking opportunities • An all-inclusive package (accommodation and meals) • An exclusive event directory • Limited competition • Access to all speaker sessions ATTEND AS A COMPLIMENTARY PROJECT DELEGATE Join us as our guest at the forum and learn about the latest trends and developments in the sector. The event features thought-provoking seminars and the opportunity to meet manufacturers and suppliers to discover innovative products and services. We are pleased to announce that Stable Events will be hosting our annual mental health and dementia facilities forum at the Belfry Hotel & Resort. Here’s what to expect 12, 13. Preview.indd 12 09/10/2025 15:52
mhdf magazine 13 PREVIEW 27-28 November 2025 The Belfry Hotel & Resort Sutton Coldfield During the event, we host informative speaker sessions where industry professionals highlight the latest designs, developments and insights across the sector. In addition, we provide one to two nights’ accommodation, including all We’re finalising our speaker line-up and would be pleased to receive a proposal from you. Contact Georgie Smith on Georgie.smith@stable-events.co.uk or 0208 288 1080 Registration for the event is now open: https://tinyurl.com/449nyvt6 For more information, visit www.mhdf-forum.co.uk or call 0208 288 1080, where Georgie Smith will be pleased to answer any questions. meals and refreshments, plus drinks receptions and a gala dinner, giving you extensive networking opportunities. For all delegate and supplier places, contact: Leslie de Hoog at leslie.dehoog@stable-events.co.uk 12, 13. Preview.indd 13 09/10/2025 15:52
14 mhdf magazine FLOORING Control of noise is particularly important in care homes, to aid recovery from illness and to promote day-to-day wellbeing of residents. Poor acoustic performance of the care home can also have profound social, physical and psychological effects on residents with hearing impairment. Noise levels from people and noise pollution from equipment and devices reverberate over sound-reflecting hard surfaces, extend over distances and linger. Consequently, they can have a serious impact on the wellbeing of everyone. Action on Hearing Loss state that there are approximately 11 million people with hearing loss across the UK (one in six of the population) and 71% of people over the age of 70 suffer from age-related hearing impairment (presbycusis). This impacts on the resident’s ability to engage effectively with staff, visitors and others sharing their environment, and can lead to problems with communication, social isolation, confusion and the safeguarding of privacy. Floor specialist Saint-Gobain Ecophon estimates that age-related hearing loss leads to communication problems for approximately 37% of people between the ages of 61 and 70, and becomes an increasing problem as we age, with around 60% of people aged 71 to 80 experiencing difficulties with communication as a result of age-related hearing impairment. Trying to understand in noisy situations, where background sound reduces intelligibility of speech, can leave a hearing-impaired person confused or frustrated. This is particularly the case for residents with dementia, who need additional support to help them interpret and navigate their surroundings. Those with hearing aids may find that background noise reduces the effectiveness of their devices, and Action for Hearing Loss stresses that speech intelligibility can be particularly challenging for those for whom English is not a first language. Inclusivity is, of course, crucial under the Equality Act 2010, which states that buildings should not disadvantage occupants irrespective of their age or abilities. THE BENEFITS Acoustic flooring generally refers to flooring that helps provide sound insulation, thus dampening the effects of sound from within the room, be it airborne noise or impact noise. Acoustic flooring is different from soundproof underlay or flooring, which is designed to reduce sound coming through the floor from adjoining areas. With a range of vinyl flooring that has acoustic flooring Dave Ford, specifications manager, North, Altro, discusses how flooring can be used to control noise and improve wellbeing in care homes The benefits of ‘In care homes, you can improve the chances of residents sleeping well and not disturbing each other by incorporating sound reducing flooring into your corridors and bedrooms’ 14, 15. Altro flooring - acoustic.indd 14 10/10/2025 11:19
mhdf magazine 15 FLOORING sound-dampening properties, you can find Altro products that will serve your needs in more ways than one. With different levels of sound reduction, you can tailor your project to its exact specifications. We’ve collaborated with associations including Care England, Design in Mental Health and the University of Stirling’s renowned Dementia Services Development Centre and worked with them to develop total solutions for the care home sector. So, where can acoustic floors be used to best effect? In care homes, you can improve the chances of residents sleeping well and not disturbing each other by incorporating sound reducing flooring into your corridors and bedrooms. They are also beneficial in visitor lounges, to enhance that sense of privacy. The right floor can reduce impact sound transmission not just into adjoining rooms but also to other storeys. In hospital environments, peace and quiet is essential to aid recovery and protect privacy, so surfaces which contribute to them are essential across many areas of a hospital, including; intensive care or wards where resting and sleep are vital to patient recuperation; corridors where the sounds from trolleys and wheelchairs can be a constant source of distress; and consultation rooms in which private conversations should not be overheard. Most manufacturers have acoustic flooring options. Consider how each area is used and weigh-up sound reduction properties alongside those such as slip-resistance, durability, cleanability and aesthetics – you should be able to find options that deliver what you need. MODERN VINYL FLOORS Modern vinyl floors offer an ideal alternative to carpet and carpet tiles, which may have been used in care home environments. There are many vinyl flooring options now available with similar sound reduction properties to carpet tiles – 17 to 18dB, so there’s no need to compromise on in-room sound and transmission of noise. There is also the option to use an impact sound reduction underlay. Comfort underfoot is also a key performance benefit of many vinyl floors, especially those which also offer sound reduction properties, so a switch from carpet to vinyl need not lead to a compromise on comfort or acoustics, and still provides carers, staff and residents with a homely look too. And the biggest benefit of vinyl over carpet is on cleanability. High quality vinyl floors can be cleaned at up to 60ºC; viruses are killed at 56ºC (US National Library of Medicine). No different detergent or process is needed when you already have the ability to spray, steam or power-clean the flooring. Dirt sits on the surface of vinyl flooring rather than penetrating the pile of carpet. So vinyl floors are cleaned faster, with products less likely to cause damage to the floor and also dry faster for a speedy return to service. At Altro, our 19dB vinyl acoustic floor, Altro Serenade, contributes to the impact sound reduction of noise in buildings by reducing impact sound transmission, increasing sound absorption and reducing sound reflection. Where noise reduction is needed to reduce in-room sound and transmission of noise, you can also consider Altro Illustra adhesive-free, Altro Cantata adhesive-free, Altro Wood Comfort and Altro Wood adhesive-free floors, which offer 14dB. Altro Ensemble, Altro Orchestra and Altro Orchestra Custom offer 15dB (and comfort underfoot while maintaining the highest Commercial classification of use). If this isn’t enough, you can also combine the floor of your choice with impact sound reduction underlays. For example, Altro Acoustic Underlay 1101 and Altro Everlay B offer sound reductions of 17dB and 21dB respectively, when used in conjunction with an Altro sheet vinyl floor. • www.altro.com 14, 15. Altro flooring - acoustic.indd 15 10/10/2025 11:19
The only UK company specialising exclusively in manufacturing furniture for mental health, learning disabilities and autism care BUILT WITH UNDERSTANDING Tel: 01588 674 340 Email: sales@toughfurniture.com toughfurniture.com MHDF Adverts Oct 25.indd 16 09/10/2025 10:43
mhdf magazine 17 COMMENT Can Labour’s changes to planning policy help resolve the later living crisis? As the Labour government pushes ahead with reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, Zoe Curran, senior planner at Boyer (London) asks whether the changes will support the delivery of later living housing, or whether they risk deepening the current crisis The housing crisis is impacting on all demographics. We frequently read about the problems experienced by first-time buyers in getting a foot on the property ladder, but the problems at the other end of the age spectrum are just as acute. Furthermore, as a consequence of the currently proposed changes to national planning policy and further proposed planning reforms, sadly it seems inevitable the existing shortcomings are more likely to exacerbate rather than abate the crisis. In July, the then new Labour government published revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Consultation on the revisions led to the final publication version, which was released in December. The reforms to planning policy have been received positively by the wider development industry, as a means to tackle the housing crisis. But how will the changes impact on specialist housing, specifically the later living sector? THE GREY BELT The proposed introduction of a ‘grey belt’ designation is likely to be the primary source of delivering this additional and specialist housing. One of the government’s ‘golden rules’ for development in the green belt is to ensure that maximum public gain is obtained from new development in these areas – specifically that 50% of any new development is affordable housing. However, these ‘golden rules’ do not include provision for affordable later living accommodation. As set out within the recently released report from the Older People’s Housing Taskforce (OPHT), there is currently an insufficient supply of later living housing (across both mainstream and specialist accommodation). Furthermore, research by the OPHT highlights that current private leasehold older person’s housing options are unaffordable for the majority of English households aged 75 years and over. This is a significant challenge which the proposed reforms to the NPPF do not currently address. BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT In addition to supporting more development on the green belt, the government has placed a renewed focus on brownfield sites. Brownfield sites should be a priority to address the housing crisis and provide opportunities to maximise previously developed land that is often well-served by public transport and infrastructure. However, the further emphasis given to maximising brownfield land and >> 17, 18. Comment – Labour policy planning.indd 17 07/10/2025 16:08
18 mhdf magazine COMMENT building at higher densities will place a further barrier to promoters and developers of older people’s homes. Competition for limited land opportunities in such locations which are more suitable for older people’s homes will increase. It is important to acknowledge that not all older people’s accommodation is suited to delivery within the confines of existing urban areas. For example, integrated retirement communities (IRC) include a provision of high levels of onsite amenity space and both recreational and care facilities, and so densities can be lower than comparable (in terms of unit size) general housing developments. Operators and promoters of IRCs often find themselves taking marginal sites which are less attractive to the volume housebuilders. Many of these sites are on the edge of settlements, former agricultural land or undeveloped sites within the green belt. WHAT AMENDMENTS COULD OR SHOULD BE BROUGHT FORWARD? The OPHT calls for stronger planning policies at a national and local level, in order to help boost the supply of later living housing. The OPHT recommends that local authorities be given ‘the right levers to address the under-supply of later living housing, including ensuring sufficient land is made available to support the volumes of new supply needed, raising the profile and priority given to later living housing in local plans,’ which will hopefully bring confidence to providers and help overcome the social reluctance to plan for old age. This message should be conveyed to local authorities through updated National Planning Policy Guidance. I believe that the NPPF should be amended to include a clear direction that through local plan review, local planning authorities (LPAs) are required to undertake an objective and robust identification and understanding of current and forecast needs across the new plan’s period. The assessment must not be just for overall older persons’ accommodation. It needs to drill down into the type of care needed (general and specialist) and at least attempt to grapple with where the accommodation is most needed across the LPA. Secondly, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to older persons’ housing. LPAs should be facilitating a range of options to provide needs-based supply (meeting at least the minimum level of need) as well as the different typologies of older people’s housing needs. Of equal importance is identifying the right locations and areas for delivery of new older people’s homes and accommodation – in most cases, town centres and locations where services, transport and facilities are already, or are planned to be, readily available. Furthermore, local plans should allocate a sufficient number of sites, in the right locations, for the delivery of older people’s homes. Presently, where local plans do include an allocation, it is usually for a care home within a much larger strategic site allocation. Local plans should be looking to allocate sites in existing town and village centres, and on edges of settlements where such locations meet the locational needs of the type of accommodation required by the community. Finally, local plans should continue to include at least one policy supporting the delivery of new older persons’ homes across all typologies. It is important the planning system remains plan-led, but it must not become plan-absolute led. Local plans cover periods of a minimum 15 years. Changing economic, social and demographic circumstances rarely have regard for the duration of plan-making, plan lifespan and review cycles. It is important that planning policy, national and local, provides for speculative application secured developments when the needs are demonstrated. CONCLUSION The change of government creates a new opportunity. However, it seems that in a rush to publish the new NPPF, the new government has failed to address this problem. The revisions to the NPPF have not done enough to remove the gaps within current policy guidance, such as a general lack of promotion of the delivery of specialist accommodation and uncertainty around whether extra care development should be required to make contributions towards affordable housing and CIL. There is so much more that could be done to promote and support later living accommodation through planning policy, such as implementing the recommendations made within the OPHT report, including establishing a planning presumption in favour of new developments for older people, new assessments of housing need for older people, and measures to address the viability restraints on the development of later living accommodation. We can only hope that the imminent Planning and Infrastructure Bill or subsequent updated National Policy Guidance does more to address this issue. • www.boyerplanning.co.uk ‘Competition for limited land opportunities in such locations which are more suitable for older people’s homes will increase’ 17, 18. Comment – Labour policy planning.indd 18 07/10/2025 16:08
COME AND SEE US ON STAND H23 At this year’s Healthcare Estates 21-22nd October Manchester Central www.c-t.co.uk 0800 068 7419 Nurse Call Systems for Healthcare MHDF Adverts Oct 25.indd 19 09/10/2025 10:43
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=