The policy objective for all homes to meet national internal space standards is strongly supported. The policy should recognise it is not always possible for every home to have direct access to a balcony or other private amenity space where the site is constrained. It should also recognise that it is also not always necessary (e.g where the homes are designed for individuals instead of families).
Housing delivered on constrained sites may not be able to accommodate balconies and/or other private amenity space. It may also be extremely challenging to provide lift access and/or any dual aspect homes without rending schemes unviable (noting these types of previously developed site typically have significant viability challenges which require a critical mass of development). Delivery of housing on these sites should not however be discouraged. Delivering housing for smaller households (i.e single person households) who are in housing need but far less reliant on amenity space and lift access than couples and families will ensure these sites can be unlocked thus making the best and most efficient use of available brownfield housing land. It is for this reason 1 bed 1 person homes are not nationally required to provide balconies. Attempting to require schemes on constrained sites to meet the same standards expected in less constrained sites is likely to result in a significant reduction in housing delivery and the needs of fewer households being met overall.