4.1.6  Residents' Lounge

A single lounge for the sole use of residents is to be located on the ground floor in a convenient position for all the clusters of Apartments23.  It will provide an alternative quiet sitting area for residents and lounge space for residents with dementia, where additional management and support can be provided by care staff.

WC provisions to this, and other resident only areas, are to be based upon the size of the development.  

A wheelchair accessible kitchenette for preparing hot drinks and light refreshments is to be provided as part of the Lounge.  This shall be screened from the main seating areas or placed in an alcove.

A variety of seating options is to be provided, including sofas and coffee tables as well as armchairs.

The treatment, decoration and furniture in the lounge shall be of a domestic nature. There shall be natural lighting such that use of the space does not rely at all times on supplementary artificial lighting. There should be views onto the external garden.  A focal point fire place should be provided as a feature.

Direct access to an external patio and secure garden is required.

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23  Other models will have a series of smaller lounges at strategic locations (e.g. one per floor) – the Authority to consider this and adapt accordingly.