Inclusive environments Flashcards
What is the definition of an inclusive environment?
NPPF 2021: Planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places which
a) promote social interaction
b) are safe and accessible
c) enable and support healthy lifestyles
What industry guidance are you aware of?
National planning policy framework 2021 defines an inclusive environment
Part M Building Regulations- Approved Document M provides guidance on ensuring that buildings are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities
Equality Act 2010
How do you promote diversity of user needs?
Plan positively for use of shared spaces e.g. community facilities, open space, meeting places
Accessible for all
Promote variety of transport opportunities
Guard against lower value community facilities
How do you promote inclusive environments?
My client attitude to design is people, places, spaces
People - usability e.g. walking routes, connectivity, legibility of design
Deliver disabled parking
Deliver cycle parking
M4(3) compliant units
Consider footpath widths and surface materials
Tell me about the diversity of user needs.
Providing an environment that meets the needs of all users. Local or international
Age, disability, gender, sexual orientation
What legislation contributes to creating inclusive environments?
Equality Act 2010
Part M of Building Regulations
Tell me about Equality Act 2010 / Building Regulations.
Equality Act 2010: purpose was to consolidate the different strands of discrimination statute into one law. Protects people with protected characteristics e.g. disability, sexual orientation, religion. Prevents direct or indirect discrimination
Building regulations: regulations to cover the construction and extension of buildings. They form minimum standards for design, consruction an alterations to buildings
What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?
Age
Disability
Gender
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orietation
What does the Equality Act 2010 provide?
Equality Act 2010 provides protection from discrimination in workplace, using transport, join club or association, use business or organisations using public services
How does the Equality Act relate to service providers or controllers of let premises?
Under Section 29 of the Equality Act it is unlawful for a service provider to discriminate against a disabled person by not providing them with the service, withdrawing the service, or providing a lesser or worse service than a non-disabled person
Letting a property must ensure:
◦ Terms are not discriminatory
◦ If requested, a commercial property must be adjusted to meet the needs of disabled persons
◦ May wish to include works, but must be complete before letting works
What does the Equality Act say in relation to reasonable adjustments?
As a tenant or supplier of goods not only are you obligated to make reasonable adjustments but you are also obliged to physically alter the property to permit diabled access e.g. ramps, wider doors, steps stair lifts, lighting clearer signs
Reasonable: disability, practicable, size of organisation, money and resources available
How is the Equality Act enforced?
If you do not comply with the Act you may face:
* Claim for discrimination
* Monetary penalties
* Injunction order to enforce adjustment / alteration
How do the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations relate to each other?
Part M states the minimum requirements to ensure a broad range of people are able to access and use facilities
Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments to be made in relation to accessibility. Requires regard to be given to the specific need of likely building users
Compliace with Part M does not signify compliance with obligations and duties of Equality Act
What does Approved Document M relate to?
Building regulations Part M - Access to and use of buildings
Does Part M guarantee inclusive design?
Approved documents set out accepted reasonable provision for compliance
If you follow guidance in an approved document the presumption is compliance with requirements of guidance, however not guaranteed
Normal guidance may not apply if unusual case
