Introduction

2.0  This section sets out the minimum design standards required by Department for Social Development (DSD) for  all new build social housing schemes that receive Housing Association Grant (HAG) or utilise Disposal Proceeds Funds (DPF).  The aim of social housing for rent is to provide suitable quality housing stock for people with housing needs, at affordable rents and within value for money criteria.  The purpose of design guidance is to give a clear indication of the minimum standards that must be achieved for all development schemes applying for grant funding. Primarily aimed at new build, the design guidance is applicable to housing provision for all scheme types however procured. This does not remove the responsibility to ensure that each scheme complies with the relevant statutory controls as dictated by Planning Service, Building Control, Roads Service, NI Water etc.

2.1  DSD set their standards using existing and current standards published by other bodies that are well established and understood in the development industry.  Where appropriate the HA Guide makes reference to the various industry standards and provides a web link or reference document rather than duplicating the information.  It is expected that scheme designers/consultants will have access to all relevant documentation. DSD’s preference is to use standards that provide independent specification and validation and avoid inventing our own measures of quality.  This ensures that DSD have brought together a suite of the most relevant standards in order to deliver high quality end products.  The standards remain challenging, viable, well adjusted to the market and will be amended accordingly to deal adequately with any new and emerging policy priorities.  All schemes should be designed to be sensitive to their environment and contribute to good quality of life by ensuring they are: safe and inclusive; well planned, constructed and maintained, and offer equality of opportunity and services to all.