Meet our new disability development steering group

We are pleased to announce the creation of our new disability development steering group, made up of experts and individuals with firsthand experience of disabilities.

The steering group will be instrumental in helping us shape the homes and environments we create, focusing on essential elements such as streetscaping, landscaping, and level access.

Believed to be first in the sector, they will address a wide range of disabilities and health conditions to ensure their designs meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve.

The scope of their work will span from overarching design concepts to finer details, such as installing access lifts for wheelchair users and avoiding dark-coloured paving.

Inspired by our staff disability network, Ability, the group will be involved in the design process from the earliest planning stages through to project completion.

This initiative aims to ensure that emerging best practice about accessible spaces plays a part in shaping the way our new homes are designed.

Gareth Powell, Production Director at L&Q said:

“With over a million homes in the UK currently requiring adaptations, L&Q is committed to ensuring inclusivity is at the heart of how we build. By designing with accessibility in mind, we’re not just addressing today’s needs—we’re anticipating those of tomorrow. This approach will benefit our residents and lead to savings for public services like the NHS and local authorities.”

The group will consider how future disabilities and degenerative conditions can be planned for too. This will include looking at aspects of kitchen and bathroom design, so that these spaces are easier to alter if the need arises.

Felix Lynn, Chair of Ability, who spearheaded the initiative, commented:

“Our vision is to create spaces where everyone can live comfortably and independently.

“By making inclusive design a cornerstone of our developments, we are paving the way for a more accessible and equitable future for all residents.”

Beyond housing, the group’s influence will extend to ensuring that our offices include accessible features such as wheelchair ramps and grab rails.

This initiative demonstrates our commitment to addressing the growing need for accessible homes.

With one in four people reporting a disability and 34% of households including someone with a disability, this work is more important than ever.

Social housing, more than any other tenure, is where disabled people are most likely to live.

Approximately 54% of housing association tenants have a long-term illness or impairment, and 18% of new lettings are to individuals with a defined disability.

For the past 10 years, we have consistently been the largest provider of social housing in England.

We have also been recognised as the top builder in Inside Housing’s Biggest Builder Survey for several consecutive years.