I do support any policy or plan which help to improve the accessible environment. If we aim at the best we can do then we meet the needs for all, meaning from the wheelchair user to family life.

If we generally build to M4 (2) Category 2: "Accessible and Adaptable", we would meet the needs for now and the future, therefore reducing cost. We could also allow for a percentage of schemes to have M4 (3) "wheelchair standard" dwelling to the ground floor, with the flexibility to design for specific needs if and when required.
The London Plan (www.london.gov.uk) 3.8 Housing Choice, LDF preparation and planning decisions - 3.3 (c) 90% of new housing to meet M(4) 2 "Accessible and Adaptable" AND 3.3 (d) 10% of new homes to meet M4 (3) "wheelchair standard".

It should be noted that there is only a cost difference of approximately £500 between the default M4 (1) "Visitable dwelling" and M4 (2) "Accessible and Adaptable".

However, as a help in going forward and to support inclusion, Habinteg who champion Accessible Homes and independent lives have produced a free toolkit. I have attached a link below to the Habinteg “free toolkit”. The tool kit helps all of those who approve and deliver new housing and meet housing need, to consider quality and inclusive housing when they are planning new homes, delivering adaptations or considering policy or procedure changes.

https://us5.campaign-archive.com/?e=&u=7b81a0fefdaf328c03211b92b&id=82a47f7e9d

To consider;
• providing and managing housing adaptations
• the allocation of housing
• planning for accessible homes
• strategic planning
• supporting tenants

The target providers;
• housing
• health and social care
• tenant engagement teams
• access officers
• planning and housing strategy