At Tilia Homes, we're passionate about creating communities where everyone feels welcome. That's why we're introducing a new approach to designing play areas that puts accessibility, inclusion and family life at the heart of every new development.

Working alongside leading play equipment specialist Kompan, we've developed a Universal Play Guidance that sets a new benchmark for the outdoor spaces we create. By going beyond standard planning requirements, we're ensuring our play areas offer more opportunities for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy active, imaginative play.

More Than a Place to Play

Play areas are an important part of community life. They give children the freedom to explore, learn and make friends, while providing welcoming spaces where families and neighbours can spend time together outdoors.

Our new guidance takes a holistic approach to play space design, considering not just the equipment itself but how the whole environment works for everyone who uses it. This includes:

• Inclusive play equipment across all play areas
• Accessible paths and safety surfacing
• Sensory play features
• Quiet areas for children who prefer calmer environments
• Seating and routes designed to support parents, carers and grandparents

By designing with inclusion in mind from the very beginning, we're creating places that are enjoyable and accessible for more people.

Bringing the Vision to Life

One of the first developments to showcase this approach is Kiln Grove in Woolpit, Suffolk, where thoughtfully designed green spaces and inclusive play areas form an integral part of the new neighbourhood.

The development demonstrates how well-designed outdoor spaces can help strengthen communities by encouraging children to play together and creating natural places for residents to meet and connect.

Backed by Research

The guidance has been developed with Kompan and informed by research from its Play Institute, which explores how play environments contribute to children's physical, social and cognitive development.

The research highlights the importance of designing for inclusion from the outset, ensuring play spaces cater for children with a wide range of abilities and sensory needs instead of relying on adaptations later.

Graeme Smith, Group Innovation & Design Director, said:

"Planning guidance sets an important foundation, but we believe we can deliver even more for the families who live in our communities. This framework helps ensure every development includes play spaces that are accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone."

Ashleigh Thomson, Area Sales Manager at Kompan, added:

"What's particularly positive about this approach is that inclusion has been considered throughout the entire design process. It's about creating spaces that work for children, families and carers from the very beginning, rather than simply meeting minimum requirements."

As we continue to build new communities across the country, this guidance will help shape the play spaces we deliver, ensuring they continue to reflect the latest research, evolving best practice and, most importantly, the needs of the families who call Tilia Homes home.  A copy of the guidance is available here.