Democracy Spraffa

Item 13 - Appendix 1

West Dunbartonshire Council · 22 November 2023
Back to Housing & Communities Committee — 22 November 2023 and its agenda

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Final Draft November 2023
Affordable Housing
Design Standard
V.3 2023
ITEM 13 - APPENDIX 1

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2 
Contents 
1 Introduction
2 Building design
3 Layout and design features
4 Minimum space standards
5 Disabled access requirements
6 Future proofing
7 External areas
8 Dementia friendly design
9 Glossary

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Foreword from Councillor Gurpreet Singh 
Convener of Housing and Communities   (to be included).   
1. Introduction: 
Purpose:
The purpose of the design standard is to ensure that the social homes being developed in
West Dunbartonshire with the support of the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply
Programme (AHSP) funding is of the highest quality and incorporates best practice design,
enabling those who live in them to enjoy a high quality home environment regardless of age,
ability or health.
Background:  
West Dunbartonshire Council has an ongoing ambitious programme of building new affordable
social homes in partnership with housing association partners. 
In April 2016, WDC introduced a design standard for housing supported by the ASHP, requiring
new homes to meet higher standards in respect of floor space, accessibility and energy
efficiency.  The Standard applied to both Council and housing association new build homes.
The last review of the Standard was carried out in 2019 resulting in the current version that
applied to all new projects starting after April 2020. 
While we have an ambition to deliver as many as possible of these much-needed new homes,
we do not wish to lose sight of quality in doing so.  When we first introduced our Standard, we
carried out extensive research and consultations that demonstrated wide support for the
measure.  The Standard has helped to drive up the quality of the new social housing being
developed across West Dunbartonshire, improving tenants’ homes now and for future
generations.  
Developers should take note of all current WDC Planning Guidance on Residential
Development as contained in the LDP.  In addition, prospective developers should be aware
that National Planning Framework 4 is now in place and forms the most up to date part of our
development plan.  It will have precedence should there be any incompatibility between it and
other parts of the development plan.  This Design Standard complements the Planning
Guidance.

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Review Timeline:   
 Summer 2023: Carry out a review of the Design Standard with consultation taking
place with the Scottish Government, WD HSCP, RSLs and the WDTRO. 
 Report proposed revised Design Standard to the November 2023 meeting of the
WDC Housing and Communities Committee. 
 Revised Standard to apply to all new schemes commencing after 1st April 2024.

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How it works & what has changed 
How the Design Standard works:
The Standard includes details of essential elements alongside a list of desirable elements
that we are asking developers to consider.  While some of these may be aspirational, we
wish to encourage innovation and continuous improvement in housing design.
We recognise that whilst we are committed to building quality new affordable housing, a
degree of discretion may be required where a project is finding it difficult to meet the full
criteria due to particular characteristics of the scheme. Decisions on such matters will
be the responsibility of the More Homes Board.
Affordable Housing Supply Programme Funding Requirements: 
New Affordable Housing Investment Benchmarks introduced in June 2021 resulted in
improved subsidy levels. The revised arrangements introduced a number of additional
benchmark elements, a number of which are already contained within the Council’s
Standard, that would unlock extra grant funding. A further update is due to be announced
this summer.   
These are: 
• Silver Level Energy Efficiency Standard 
• Provision of balconies in flats where outdoor space is limited 
• Home working or study space (outwith that required of HfVN)
• Digitally enabling 
• Ducting for electric vehicle charging points 
• Installation of fire suppression systems 
• Provision of zero emission heating systems.
See Scottish Government Guidance: https://www.gov.scot/publications/affordable-
housing-supply-programme-process-and-procedures-mhdgn-2022-02/
Design Standard 2020 v Proposed Design Standard 2023
Key areas of the current Standard identified for possible development include:
➢ A better match of housing mix with identified housing need.  In particular, we need to
address the shortfall in larger family homes of four and over bedrooms and
developers are encouraged to contribute on this issue.

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➢ All new homes to be net-zero/zero-carbon or passivhaus standard.  Currently, the
Standard stipulates silver-plus level.
➢ We wish to look more closely at measures which can be taken to future proof our
new homes for example on how best to enable the provision of bathroom/shower
facilities to improve accessibility as the tenant’s needs change.
➢ There is an increasing awareness of the health harms that can be caused by
dampness and condensation in homes. Environmental sensors have relatively
recently been developed which can track temperature, humidity and Co2 in the
home.  We propose to make these compulsory elements of new build projects. 
The draft Design Standard contains a series of tables listing the essential and desirable
elements proposed, grouped under the following headings:
• Building design: Buildings and Energy Efficiency
• Layout and design features
• Minimum space standards
• Disabled access requirements
• Future proofing
• External areas
• Dementia Friendly design.

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2. Building design 
Having well designed buildings is a basic requirement of our Design Standard. In addition to
being well designed, homes should be sited to take advantage of, and mitigate, any weather
conditions, for example taking into consideration sunlight and prevailing winds.  We welcome
innovative designs and solutions that make best use of their topography and location.

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Building Design:
Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Key to the tables:
E= essential (must be provided)
D= desirable (ideally should be provided) 
Element: E: D: Comment: 
Buildings designed to have a minimum
life of at least 60 years.  X   
All new homes must achieve an EPC
rating of at least B.  X     
All new homes must be net zero or
passivhaus  ie meet at least 
- Silver Active Level, Aspects 2-8
- Platinum Level, Aspect 1 
X
We expect a similar standard will be
required by the Scottish
Government’s forthcoming Scottish
“passivhaus” standard.
An environmental sensor must be
installed in all new homes to monitor
air quality. 
X    
Careful consideration should be given
to providing the best orientation for the
properties in terms of solar gain and
potential cooling advantages  
X
Main entrance doors should be
positioned to take cognisance of
prevailing winds  
X

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We encourage considerations of
innovative carbon reduction measures,
for example Waste Water Heat
Recovery systems (WWHRS), in new
developments   
X  Such measures may be required to
meet energy efficiency but bring with
them additional maintenance
burdens.

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3. Layout and design features 
The layout and design of a home are important features within a building and
development design.
A well designed space should not only give people the space they need to live
comfortably, with enough storage space to accommodate their belongings but it should
also offer flexibility in order to allow them to change how they use the space to suit their
needs as they change.
This guidance applies to overall layout but with specific guidance for bedrooms,
bathrooms, kitchens and common spaces. It should be noted that many of these aspects
are essential, rather than desirable.

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Layout and design features:
11 
Property Layout 
Element: E: D: Comment: 
Dual aspect homes must be provided.    X  
Only in very exceptional
circumstances will non dual aspect
designs be acceptable, for example
it may be unavoidable in some care
projects serves by a corridor
access.   North facing single aspect
properties will never be acceptable
nor in homes with more than three
bedrooms. 
Level access must be provided to the
principal entrances.  X  
Where topography does not allow
this, level access must be
provided to another entrance,
acceptable only in exceptional
circumstances.  Forthcoming
revised 
To meet HfVN, a home office space
must be included in every property.   X  
For dwellings over 150 m² floor
area, two home office spaces must
be provided. 
All floor plans must show a furniture
layout to comply with those set out in
HfVN and should clearly indicate where
the home office space is located. 
X 
Where a property does not have a     
garden area, we encourage the provision
of a balcony.  
X
Additional grant funding is available
for provision of balconies in certain
instances. “Juliet” balconies are
unlikely to attract the additional
grant.

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Layout and design features:
12 
The layout of adjacent dwellings, as
well as lifts and circulation spaces, must
seek to limit the transmission of noise
to sound sensitive rooms 
X    
Internal ceiling heights must be a
minimum of 2.4m in all habitable rooms,
measured from finished floor level. 
X

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Layout and design features:
13 
Bedrooms 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Double bedrooms must be capable of
accommodating twin beds.  X   
The bed space should be located such
that the bedhead is not under the
window.  
X  
Built in wardrobes should be provided
to all bedrooms, wardrobes should
have sliding or slide hung finished flush
doors, a continuous shelf and hanging
rail. The internal depth of the wardrobe
should not be less than 600mm.   
X See separate section on storage
spaces for more detail. Only in
exceptional circumstances may these
be omitted. 
Future provision for direct access from
the main bedroom to a bathroom is
desirable.  
X

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Layout and design features:
14 
Bathrooms 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Internal bathrooms i.e. those without
windows, should be avoided wherever
possible 
X 
Baths should not be sited under
windows 
X 
The preference is for the bathroom door
to open outwards while ensuring this
does not cause an obstruction in the
hall. 
X 
Slip resistant floor finish (m R value =
11) and integrated coved skirting to be
provided to all wet rooms; bathrooms,
shower rooms and WCs. Coving in
kitchens is preferred but optional.
X  
A dwelling should have at least one
accessible WC and wash hand basin
and at least one accessible shower/
bath, located on the principle living level
of a dwelling. 
X

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Layout and design features:
15 
Kitchens 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Kitchen designs must include a dining
space suitable for the size of the
household. Only in exceptional
circumstances should this be omitted.
X  
Floor spaces within the kitchen
(minimum 625mm clear width) must be
allocated for a cooker, a full height
fridge/ freezer, and a washing machine.
A dishwasher space is also
encouraged. For dwellings for six
people of more, a dishwasher space is
required and space for a tumble drier
with vent is encouraged.
X   
Slip resistant floor finish (min R value =
111_ and integrated coved skirting to be
provided to all kitchens
X  
Consideration to be given to providing
floor finishes to open plan kitchen/
dining areas, especially where it is
designed for a wheelchair user. 
X 
In eight person and over homes, there
should be a separate utility room with
space for a sink and two appliances as
a minimum. 
X  Consideration should be given to
providing a utility room in five person
and over homes.

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Layout and design features:
16 
Stairs, Hallways, Storage &
Circulation Space 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Tapered treads must be avoided in the
design of stairs
X  
Ceilings over stairs must be lower to
match the rake of the stairs for ease of
maintenance, while maintaining the
required minimum 2000mm head- room.
X  
Entrance doors to dwellings must have
a minimum clear opening of 870mm
X  
All external close entrance doors to
be power assisted.
X  
All corridors must have a minimum
width of at least 1200mm (+ an
increase at change of direction to allow
a 1.5m turning circle).
X  New HfVN guidance is proposing
the same. 
Internal door widths must be a minimum
850mm clear width.
X  New HfVN guidance is likely to
introduce 850mm.  We should
increase to 850mm too.
The maximum depth of a storage
cupboard should be 1m. At least one
cupboard should be free of hot water
cylinders, boilers, heat exchangers,
washing machines and the like and all
part of the cupboard should be a
minimum of 2000mm high. 
X

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4. Minimum Space Standards 
Having the space you need and a home layout that allows you to live an active and
comfortable life is our priority regardless of your age, ability or family structure. 
Whilst existing homes may represent a challenge new build properties can aspire to deliver
the best space standards and layouts and thus we have established minimum space
standards to govern new developments. 
These space standards include a guidance for the required standards for wheelchair
users. In order to address the needs of wheelchair users within our communities as it
stands at least 10% of properties in new developments must be entirely wheelchair
friendly. 
16

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Minimum Space Standards: 
18 
General needs 
Minimum Net Floor Area
Number of
bedrooms/ people
One-storey
dwellings (m2)
Two-storey
dwellings (m2)
Three- storey
dwellings(m2)
1 bedroom
(1 person) 33.0  
1 bedroom
(2 person) 50.5  
3 person 61 68 
4 person 73.5 79 
5 person 82.5 89.5 98.5
6 person 90 97 102.5
7 person 111.5 114.5 118.5
8 person 120.5 123.5 127.5
9 person 129 132 136 
The above areas are based on the New Floor Areas, defined as:
• Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, shower rooms etc.
• General storage space including areas occupied by fitted cupboards
• Halls and staircases. 
It excludes:
• Common Corridors, landing stairwells and areas of a shared nature
• Areas where the headroom is less than 1.5m
• Common utility rooms.

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Minimum Space Standards: 
18 
Wheelchair Accessible 
Minimum Net Floor Area
Number of
bedrooms/ people
One-storey
dwellings (m2)
Two-storey
dwellings (m2)
Three- storey
dwellings(m2)
1 bedroom
(1 person) 43  
1 bedroom
(2 person) 58.5  
3 person 75 82 
4 person 87.5 93 
5 person 100.5 107.5 116.5
6 person 108 115 120.5
7 person 122.5 136.5 140.5
8 person 133 151 155
9 person 147.5 161.5 165.5 
The above areas are based on the New Floor Areas, defined as:
• Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, shower rooms etc.
• General storage space including areas occupied by fitted cupboards
• Halls and staircases. 
It excludes:
• Common Corridors, landing stairwells and areas of a shared nature
• Areas where the headroom is less than 1.5m
• Common utility rooms.

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Minimum bedroom sizes:
General Needs/Wheelchair
Accessible 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Single bedrooms: the minimum floor
area for a single bedroom, exclusive of
built wardrobes, is 8m2 and must be a
minimum of 2150mm wide.
Should have a wardrobe min 600mm by
800mm   
X  
General needs 
Double bedrooms: the minimum floor
area for a double/ twin bedroom,
exclusive of built in wardrobes is
12.5m2.
One double or twin bedroom must be at
least 2750mm wide and the others
2600mm wide.
Should have a wardrobe min 1200mm
by 600mm.   
X   
General needs 
The minimum floor area for a single
bedroom is 10 m2 for wheelchair
housing.
X  Disabled access
The minimum floor area for a
double/twin bedroom is 15.5 m2 for
wheelchair housing.
X  Disabled access

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5. Disabled access requirements 
Those who require the use of wheelchairs or have other challenges can potentially benefit
the most from purposefully designed space. 
It can allow them to comfortably enjoy their home, undertake activities with their friends
and families which would otherwise been challenging and hopefully be independent and
active within their communities. 
Therefore, whilst we have provided particular space standards for wheelchair accessible
homes, we have also in this section identified design features which should be
incorporated in general homes where appropriate, in order to accommodate and future
proof new developments for those with disabilities. 
It should be noted that the HfVN standard is currently under review by the Scottish
Government and that changes can be expected by the end of 2023/24. 
.

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Disabled access requirements:
Design considerations 
Element: E: D: Comment:
75% of G/F houses must be provided
with a walk in shower unless there are
especially difficult site constraints.
Where a bath is fitted in a G/F, a wet
floor must be provided.
X  Interesting that one Housing
developer already has a higher level
of provision. 
Consideration to be given to using
contrasting colours and finishes around
the doors to aid recognition for those
with site impairment. 
X Something similar is likely to be
introduced under the new HfVN. 
For the benefit of people with sight
impairment, floor surfaces must not be
heavily patterned or of a gloss finish as
this causes glare.
X  
Door numbers and external door bells
must be clearly visible against their
background to assist people with a
sight impairment.
X  
Letter boxes should have cages to
collect mail. 
X 
Where possible, all homes should have
a G/F bedroom or future proofing
option.   
X This is especially important for
homes with 4 beds and more.

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6. Future proofing 
West Dunbartonshire Council is committed to the development of homes that are not
simply fit for purpose now but will continue to be high quality homes over the long term,
heated and powered from sustainable sources and incorporating technology for SMART
homes. 
Ensuring homes are future-proofed means investing in internet connectivity at the
development stage and including home working from space appropriate for 21st century
lifestyles.

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Future Proofing:
23 
Sustainability 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Measures that support the aim of
decarbonising the grid, including
provision of district heating systems
(DHS), are encouraged. 
X Our Queens Quay
DHS is being rolled
out in Clydebank and
we would welcome
similar elsewhere.
LED lighting is preferred for communal
areas. 
X 
Consideration should be given to the
inclusion of smart meters when second
generation models, not tied to particular
energy suppliers, when available. 
X 
Consideration should be given to
incorporating mobile phone app based
technology for managing home energy
and security. 
X

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Future Proofing:
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Internet ready 
Element: E: D: Comment:
The Design Standard requires the
provision of a home office space (see
above and HfVN).
X  
Provision of a communal satellite &
Freeview television system must be
specified for flatted properties in
developments. Consideration
should be made for additional points
in the bedroom.    A dual satellite
dish such as Freebird should be
considered, to allow wider access to
international channels.
X  
Provision must be allowed for ‘fibre to
the premise’ so that any ISP can be
utilised by the occupier
X  
Inclusion of a cheap high speed fibre
internet package through a particular
provider should be considered. 
X

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7. External areas:   
Creating Places details the Scottish Government’s vision to protect and enhance the built
environment while their policy document Designing Streets promotes an approach to street
design that challenges the primacy of motorised vehicles in neighbourhoods. Both our Local
Development Plan (LDP) and Local Housing Strategy (LHS) put a strong emphasis on
supporting these place-making principles and the ideas around 20-minute neighbourhoods. 
Developers should take note of all current WDC Planning Guidance on Residential
Development as contained in the LDP.  This Design Standard complements the Planning
Guidance.  The LDP will be subject to future amendment in view of the recently introduced
National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). NPF4 places an obligation on local authorities to
meet the housing needs of people living in Scotland in particular older people and those with
disabilities.

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External areas: 
29 
Sustainability 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Building Standards require the provision
of an accessible space to allow for the
safe, convenient and sustainable drying
of washing (3.11.6). Drying space must
be integrated into the design of external
spaces. Such provision may be shared,
provided the arrangement is practical.
X  One Housing Developer provides on
occasions washer driers instead of
outside space.
Source Control Drainage shall be
employed to minimise SuDS
requirements and to provide a natural
solution to rainwater runoff. This shall
include maximising permeable elements
in hard landscape areas subject to
discussion with WDC
Roads.
X  
External lighting units will be subject to
consultation with WDC Roads but must
not distribute light above the horizontal
plane.
X  
Provision for Electric vehicles should be
considered beyond the current technical
standards - Section 7.2 June 2023
(charging points and ducting for future
provision of the points). 
X

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External areas: 
29 
Roads & Car Parking 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Developers should engage at an early
stage with the Roads Authority to agree
upon an environmentally sustainable
solution which seeks to minimise car
parking spaces. 
X We would encourage developers to
minimise the provision of parking
space, whilst meeting the
requirements of WDC Roads Dept
and having considered the nature of
housing.
Normally, Social Housing car parking
should be provided at a level 1-step-
down from PS mainstream
developments: i.e. 1.5 spaces per
dwelling with 3 or fewer bedrooms and
2 spaces per dwelling with 4 or more
bedrooms. An acceptable design can
include areas of landscaping showing a
superimposed parking layout to the
levels agreed with the Roads Authority,
conforming to NRDG dimensions.
X  
Areas of car parking should be
designed to encourage other uses,
such as play. A Designing Streets
approach should be employed. 
X

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External areas: 
29 
Paths, Fencing & Cycles 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Public footpaths and paths to houses
must be a minimum 1200mm wide and
should have a 1:100 cross fall.
X  
Cycle parking should be provided for
flatted developments at the rate of 1
space per dwelling, in line with Cycling
By Design 2010. This should be located
at ground level and be in a secure,
covered environment (e.g. part of the
building or a lockable compound) 
X 
Timber boundary fencing of gardens
should not back directly onto public
spaces, including paths. Consideration
should be given to running a
hedge/planting strip behind the
boundary.   
X

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External areas: 
29 
Gardens 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Planting where provided should include
edible fruit species. 
X 
Front garden areas should contain
hedges/taller shrubs to give a sense of
privacy. Appropriate tree planting is also
encouraged where space permits. 
X 
Where timber board fencing is used to
define rear/side boundaries, self-
clinging/ climbing plants or specimen
shrubs should be used to break up the
monotony. 
X 
A minimum useable garden space of
50m2 should be provided for each
house. For flats, a minimum of 10m2
should be allowed per unit. 
X It is recognised that a balance
requires to be struck between the
amenity provided by the garden
and the maintenance burden it
may place on the tenant or
housing developer.  
Any areas of grass should be of a size,
shape and accessibility which facilitate
ease of maintenance.   
X Every effort should be made to
avoid any “left-over space” which
would give maintenance
difficulties.

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8. Dementia friendly design: 
Housing will play an increasingly important role in improving the conditions for people with
dementia.  WDC designates particular houses or projects as being “Dementia Friendly”.
These houses employ a full range of assistive design measures, with the WD HSCP
providing design advice.  There is value in considering incorporating some of these
elements as a matter course in mainstream housing as a future-proofing measure,
particularly in ground floor properties. 
The principles outlined in this section apply not only to those with dementia, but also to other
people who would benefit from assistive measures including those with physical disability
issues.
8

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Dementia friendly design:
34
44
General features: 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Flooring should be of a consistent tone  X 
Noise pollution should be minimised
where possible 
X Even more important in Dementia
Friendly homes. 
Allow for easy installation of future
telecare items 
X Further advice is needed on any
items which should be installed as a
matter of course.
In appropriate locations, consideration
to be given to wall/ceiling
structures capable of future installation
of hoist and track systems 
X 
Care should be taken in selecting
windows handles. Difficult to open
handles or ones in contrasting colours
may be appropriate 
X 
Two electric double sockets must be
made available next to the
telephone socket to allow for future
telecare items
X  
Spy holes should be provided to
external doors (one at standing level,
the other for wheelchair users) 
X 
Consideration to be given to provision
of power switches which are in
contrasting colours to the wall 
X

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Dementia friendly design:
34
44
Lighting & External areas 
Good lighting is particularly important for people with Dementia. Where possible,
developers should seek to maximise lighting especially at key areas such as sinks,
worktops, bathrooms and external pathways.  Many of the design elements below apply
equally to mainstream housing. 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Consider night time lighting pathways to
bathrooms 
X 
Light switches should be in a
contrasting colour 
X 
For some client groups dimmer lights in
living room and bedrooms are beneficial 
X 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Non-slip paving must be employed X  
Pathways must be well lit X  
Extra care should be taken creating
short and clear access routes to bin
stores and drying areas 
X 
Consideration should be given to
providing raised planters in gardens 
X 
Planting of scented varieties is
encouraged, especially near paths and
doorways 
X

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Dementia friendly design:
34
44
Kitchens 
Element: E: D: Comment:
There should be a continuous worktop
between oven and sink 
X 
At least some cupboards should have
glazed doors(or shatterproof clear
material) 
X 
Cupboard door handles should be of
contrasting colours 
X 
Taps should be lever, not mixer, and
marked “H” and “C” in red and blue 
X 
Worktops should be of a solid colour,
not patterned, and should be of a
matte finish 
X 
Sinks should be of generous
dimensions 
X 
Install non-slip flooring X

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Dementia friendly design:
34
44
Bathrooms 
Element: E: D: Comment:
Taps should be lever, not mixer, and
marked “H” and “C” in red and blue 
X 
WC should have traditional handle flush
levers or raised buttons 
X 
Consideration to be given to painting
bathroom doors in strong
contrasting colour 
X 
Provide large wash hand basins X  
Install non-slip flooring X  
Glare from tiles/wet boards should be
minimised. Use a matte finish. 
X 
In wet rooms, which will have coved
skirting, a contrasting capping strip
should be included to make it clear
where the floor ends and the wall
begins. 
X 
Showers should have an automatic
timed switch off/maximum
temperature control 
X

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9. Glossary 
Term Description
Affordable
Housing Supply
Programme
(AHSP) 
The principal Scottish Government grant funding for Council and
housing association new build.
Dementia Friendly
Design
Design features which can support those affected by the condition
to live longer independently.  
Duel Aspect A property with windows on two or more walls. 
Energy Efficiency
Standard for
Social
Housing 1 & 2
(EESSH)
Measures introduced by the Scottish Government to improve
energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty. The standard sets out
milestones for social landlords to reach by set dates. 
Fuel Poverty
A household is deemed to be in fuel poverty if more than 10% of
its income is spent on fuel use. 
Housing for
Varying Needs
(HfVN)
Housing for Varying Needs: a design standard that requires new
dwellings to be designed to be barrier free internally to ensure that a
wide range of needs can be met. All homes funded through the
AHSP must at least meet this standard.  The standard is currently
under review.

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Glossary
37
73
Term Description 
Local
Development
Plan (LDP)
The Local Development Plan: the statutory land use planning
framework for West Dunbartonshire. The plan covers the whole of
West Dunbartonshire with the exception of the area within the
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The current plan
is the Proposed Local Development Plan 2, agreed for adoption
by Planning Committee on the 19 August 2020. It covers the
period to 2030. 
Local Housing
Strategy (LHS)
The Local Housing Strategy: the statutory document setting out
the strategic housing priorities over a rolling 5-year period. The
current version is the More Homes Better Homes West
Dunbartonshire Local Housing Strategy 2022 – 2027.
National Roads
Development
Guide
(NRDG)
The National Roads Development Guide is Scotland’s principal
guidance on roads, produced by the Society for Chief Officers of
Transport in Scotland. 
Place and Design
Panel
A forum convened by West Dunbartonshire Planning that works
collaboratively with developers, architects and the likes to provide
advice and assistance in pre-application proposals to help ensure
projects contribute to a culture of design excellence.
Standard
Assessment
Procedure
(SAP) 
Standard Assessment Procedure: a government energy rating for
homes.

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Glossary
37
73
Term Description
Strategic Housing
Investment Plan
(SHIP)
Strategic Housing Investment Plan: the annual document that sets
out the funding priorities for affordable housing in West
Dunbartonshire for the next five years and published every
November. 
Silver Standard
A sustainability level detailed in the Scottish Government’s
Building Standards Part
1: Technical Handbook – Domestic (Part 7.1 Statement of
Sustainability). Sometimes referred to as Greener standard. 
Silver Active
Level
The sustainability level above Silver, which requires the inclusion
of use of a low and zero carbon generating technology (LZCGT),
usually meaning the inclusion of wind turbines, photo voltaic cells,
combined heat and power units (fired by low emission sources) or
some such items.
Sustainable
Drainage System
(SuDS)
A Sustainable Drainage System manages the impact of new
developments on surface water drainage discharges. It may
involve elements such as water retention basins and
permeable surfaces. 
Telecare
The range of equipment and services available to assist a person
to remain safely in their own home. It includes things like
movement and fall detectors, panic buttons and automatic
medication management.

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38 
Glossary 
Term Description
Waste Water Heat
Recovery Systems
(WWHRS)
Waste Water Heat Recovery Systems are energy saving devices
that recover heat/energy from waste water and use it for other
purposes.
West
Dunbartonshire
Health and
Social Care
Partnership
(HSCP)
The health and social care integration body with delegated
authority from the NHS Greater Glasgow Health and West
Dunbartonshire Council.
Wheelchair
Accessible
Standard
An accessibility standard requiring more than HfVN. These are
homes with significantly increased floor areas.
Elements might include, for example, particular features in
kitchens and bathrooms, hoist systems linking bedrooms to
bathrooms and storage space for 2 wheelchairs. As defined under
Housing for Varying Needs Part 1 - wheelchair standard.

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If you have any questions or require clarification, please
contact: 
Jamie Dockery
Senior Housing Development Officer
Jamie.dockery@west-dunbarton.gov.uk