Core and cluster accommodation
The term ‘cluster accommodation’ refers to shared accommodation, in which people have their own private bedroom, or other single person accommodation units, but they share communal facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms and so on.
Cluster accommodation has typically been associated with the provision of student accommodation, but may also be provided for groups such as nurses and other key workers.
Cluster accommodation may also be provided for vulnerable people or people with special needs, such as; people with disabilities, women’s shelters, people with drug or alcohol dependence, young offenders and so on. In this case the cluster accommodation may be transitional or ‘move on’ accommodation, and may include low-level support services that help occupants prepare for transition to independent living.
Cluster accommodation may be associated with ‘core accommodation’. In this case, for example, there may be a core hostel that provides high-dependency accommodation, around which there is cluster accommodation that is lower dependency. This can allow occupants to move from supported, to semi-supported, and finally to independent living. This sort of accommodation is typically provided by the NHS, social services or by charitable organisations.
NB Planning Gateway One - Glossary, published on the Planning Portal, defines cluster accommodation, or a cluster flat as: ‘A group of habitable rooms with shared facilities such as a kitchen and communal lounge, commonly found in student accommodation.’
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