Research into the Planning Portal website was conducted in order to grasp a better understanding of what is required in terms of planning permission. Their are 4 pathways for my multi generational housing concept to be viable: build upwards to gather more vertical space for extra bedrooms; build downwards into the ground creating more space below a house; create housing extensions adding extra rooms onto the side of a pre-existing house; or build an outhouse which is completely separated from the existing household.
Building upwards or downwards proposes many problems, both of these methods require architectural plans and money to put into action. Building into the ground can also be problematic as house foundations can usually be difficult to work around. It also generally becomes damp and can be flooded if not designed properly.
The roof on the other hand means that new insulation needs to be fitted and the attic floor needs to be strengthened and secured. The room will also usually be 3 or 4 floors up which will cause problems for the older generation who might have problems getting up and down stairs.
Extensions are also unreliable as planning permission and architectural designs are needed to build on any pre existing land. All of these methods also limit privacy for the homeowners when personal space will be a concern for people considering multi generational housing.
Outhouses however, have different building regulations than the traditional way of expanding. In many cases, 'Outbuildings may be exempt from building regulations depending on their size', this means that it will be much easier and more cost effective to build a completely separate living outhouse located separately to the existing property. These living outhouses could also be a great solution to the privacy issue, if the older generation (grandma & granddad) lived in the outhouse, then they would have their own private space whilst still being able to be looked after by their family. The grandchildren would also then have daily contact with their grandparents which would further increase the appealability of the concept.
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