Delivering Universal Design Housing in the UK and Ireland

Learn how Universal Design can support planning success, improve accessibility, and deliver adaptable, future-proof homes across the UK and Ireland.

23 Sept 2026

13:00 - 14:00 BST

Online

Delivering Universal Design Housing in the UK and Ireland

As housing needs evolve across the UK and Ireland, Universal Design (UD) is becoming an increasingly important consideration in residential planning and design. Driven by changing demographics, an ageing population, and evolving planning policies, design teams are expected to demonstrate how homes can be accessible, adaptable, and suitable for people throughout all stages of life.

Join Zandalee Slabbert and Tyler Phillips for a live webinar exploring how evolving planning policies, local authority requirements, and best practice guidance are shaping the design of future homes, and how design teams can successfully integrate Universal Design principles from concept through to delivery.

Register for the Webinar

Key Learning Outcomes

The session will explore the principles of Universal Design and how they extend beyond the minimum requirements of Technical Guidance Document Part M and Approved Document M. With a particular focus on the Irish planning environment, our speakers will review current planning policies, local authority expectations, and the practical approaches design teams can take to demonstrate compliance within planning submissions and design statements.

Using practical examples and case studies, this session explores how a proactive approach to UD can:

Support successful planning outcomes and meet local authority expectations
Create homes that are adaptable, future-proofed, and suitable for changing occupant needs
Improve accessibility and usability beyond minimum building regulation requirements
Reduce the need for future alterations while supporting ageing in place
Help design teams integrate UD principles from project inception through construction and occupancy
Encourage coordinated design strategies that deliver inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.

The session will also include practical implementation strategies, common design considerations, and recommendations for architects, engineers, developers, and other professionals involved in delivering residential projects.

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