Knitting together: planning and our ageing population

In 2006 it was estimated that there were nearly 9.7 million people aged 65 and above in the UK. By 2026 this figure is expected to increase by 47%, reaching 14.2 million. Planning for an ageing population needs more attention. We hope that this case study will raise the profile of this issue and we encourage readers to write in with comments and additional examples of current practice. Authorities can sometimes be focused on housing older people, with less regard to the wider implications that this shift will have on the community. We would like to highlight the challenges beyond just accessibility and housing, moving toward a discussion on the spatial components of this issue.

• Key issues
• Basic principles 
• Join the sector's discussion about ageing population

Key issues

• Housing demand - will increase as people choose to remain in large homes resulting in slower stock turnover. Failure to think ahead will not give people and communities any options.
• Rural exclusion and isolation from services - this will become a bigger issue as an ageing population can no longer drive to neighboring villages. Sustainable development needs to be thought through to make it desirable for older people.
• Poverty and inequality - will increase as the balance between those economically active and inactive shifts locally. This needs careful balancing when considering development and mixes of housing types and tenures.

Planners have started to address these issues through various stages of the place shaping process. In this case study we look at authorities that already have a high population of older people as they share some of the challenges and potential solutions that the planning service can deliver.

Download Knitting together: planning and our ageing population (PDF, 24 pages, 413KB)

Basic principles

• Engage with the local community - the benefits of consultation and support stretch beyond securing a sound evidence base, and can result in securing funding for infrastructure which benefits the whole community.
• Work in partnership - work with groups like the LSP and make use of the variety and depth of knowledge they can bring to help shape policy. They can help identify where planning and other council services can work jointly, to contribute to the targets set in the local area agreement.
• Consult and make use of stakeholders and organisations - the PCT, for example, can be consulted at an early stage, whether it is during the plan-making process or when dealing with development proposals. Early consultation can
  help avoid unduly slow adoption or approval of a policy or scheme.
• Older population's issues are often mirrored elsewhere in society - listen to the community and tackle these issues to make a positive change for everyone.
• Cross-service working across your council - make use of other council services and the knowledge and information they have. Other services, such as housing and adult social care, can help planners identify where policies and development can contribute to the needs of older people.
• Listen to what the older population wants from developments - use their responses to consider examples of good practice. Engagement with the right people has led to successful projects that respond to aspirations of independent living and inclusive communities. 

Join the sector's discussion about ageing population

This case study should be read as an initial discussion about approaches to planning for a large demographic shift. If you have any thoughts, questions or good practice on this topic, you can:

• write to PAS in the comment box at the bottom of this page
• share it with the rest of the sector in our discussion forums
• join the debate in the Building a society for all ages Community of Practice.

Housing our ageing population panel for innovation

The Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI) has gathered good practice from across Europe and put together new and creative proposals to help put us at the forefront of housing for older people.

Download the HAPPI report - of the HCA Academy website