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In this Housing LIN Viewpoint (no. 115), Ifti Maniar, Director of Planning at WWA, argues that outdated and inconsistently applied C2/C3 planning rules are hindering the delivery of specialist housing for England and Wales’ ageing population.

The government launched a consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework, proposing reforms across 12 policy objectives, including support for rural affordable housing and clearer accessible housing standards for older and disabled people. Submissions are due by 10 March 2026.

In this new Housing LIN guest blog, Fiona McLeod, a former Health Visitor and Change Agent at the Department of Health, reflects on her decision to move into sheltered accommodation after years of careful thought.

In this week’s HLINks, we share the latest housing, health and care news, celebrate HAPPI Awareness Week with blogs and events, highlight reports and Housing LIN’s Year in Review, and preview our final newsletter before the Christmas break.

HAPPI Awareness Week is a week-long observance of care-ready accommodation and age-friendly house services. This year, HAPPI Awareness Week takes place from Monday, 15 December. Throughout the week, we will share a selection of daily news items, guest blogs, events and announcements celebrating different aspects of the 'care ready' HAPPI design principles.

In this new Housing LIN blog, Stephen Witherford, co-founder of Witherford Watson Mann architects, explores how Britain’s housing crisis is not just about numbers, but about rebuilding community.

We’re delighted to share Housing LIN’s 2024–25 Year in Review, celebrating a year of progress, collaboration and meaningful impact across the housing, health and social care sectors.

In October 2025, HCR Law hosted a roundtable with housing and care experts to discuss the future of older people’s housing, chaired by Professor Julienne Meyer CBE. Read this report for expert insights into the later living sector and practical steps to shape its future.

The final session of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Housing and Care for Older People Inquiry into 'Creating Intergenerational Communities' took place online yesterday. Co-chaired by Lord Best and Anna Dixon MP,  the Inquiry Panel heard from three organisations that shared examples of how they have gone about developing, managing and planning housing and neighbourhoods with a focus on intergenerational connectedness. 

Last week saw the publication of ‘Homes For All: A collective manifesto to end the housing emergency for everyone in Wales’.