In a move to ensure that Britain's housing is suitable for an ageing population, ministers want every new home to feature staircases wide enough for stair-lifts, wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, as well as downstairs bathrooms.

The strategy "Lifetime homes: Lifetime Neighbourhoods" promises that by 2011 all new homes built by housing associations will meet these standards.

Elderly charities have welcomed the plans.

Paul Cann, director of policy and external relations at Help the Aged, said: "We live in an ageing population and our housing must meet the needs of older people, both now and in the future. We're delighted the Government seems to have taken this on board."

However the National Federation of Housebuilders said the plans amounted to "another costly policy".

Also under the plans new developments in towns and cities will feature "age friendly" features like access to public toilets, better street lighting and more disabled parking bays.

The proposals are part of a major strategy to avoid costly adaptations to homes in the future and design neighbourhoods around "older peoples' aspirations".

It is hoped the strategy which is the first of its kind in the world, will help more elderly people live independent lives.

The National Housing Federation has welcomed the plans but said it could go further.
 
Federation chief executive David Orr said, "Let's be clear about what is being announced today. The Prime Minister is making a very welcome call for all new homes built by housing associations to meet Lifetime Homes standards from 2011. But this will apply to just one in three homes. It will be at least another two years before private developers are expected to follow suit."