Scottish Government policy explicitly requires local authorities to meet the housing needs of older people. Despite this, the planning system could do more to promote and develop the range of homes both necessary for and desired by the growing older population.

Current Planning Position

Scottish Planning Policy (2014) encourages new housing developments to include a variety of house types and sizes which reflect local community needs. Furthermore, it requires local authorities to consider the need for specialist housing within their Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) and where a need is identified, local planning authorities should prepare policies to deliver specialist housing.

Despite this, there is no definitive and specific planning policy to address the demand for and deliver retirement housing.

As a result we are seeing an inconsistent approach to local planning authorities interpretation and application of SPP, particularly in relation to developer contributions (including affordable housing provision), policy preparation and also the inclusion for specific retirement housing in HNDA’s.

Consequently, whilst some planning consents are being delivered through the current system, there are not nearly enough to meet demand.

Planning for The Future

Savills believes there is a need to establish specific retirement living policy to address the demand for and encourage the development of retirement and downsizer accommodation. The recent independent review of the Scottish Planning System (published May 2016) has highlighted these issues and calls for “future proofing” to ensure the needs of Scotland’s ageing population are met. The demand for housing land has never been greater and the planning system is key to unlocking the potential for delivery.