Thought this might be worth sharing with people out there and some of you
may have suggestions for Darryl. Please let him know how you came across the
message as he may wonder otherwise.

cheers
marcus

-----Original Message-----
From: Darryl Smith [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 09 July 2002 15:59
Subject: Role of Planning Access Groups


Can someone help me out there?    I had a rather difficult meeting yesterday
afternoon with some of our planners. I was espousing the value of Access
Statements and the essential role that planners have in creating an
inclusive environment. One or two planners are of the view that if we are to
go down the route of Access Statements at the plan vetting stage (if so on
what type of applications?), what is the point of having an access group
commenting on applications as well? A case of me "having my cake and eating
it" apparently. Another comment was made about the comparative merits of
servicing an access group when Parish Councils or the local ornithology
group do not get the same level of "special service". Somewhat taken aback
by the level of indifference that is still prevalent I did explain about the
direction the Government appear to be taking (e.g. Planning Code of
Practice) and that we can either take a lead and be prepared or not! (as the
case may be). Of course the Code of Practice is not a panacea... Role on
changes to the Planning Act that make it clear exactly what Planners are
required to do.....

What became clear to me was the importance of training: a) to persuade
planners that inclusive design is an essential thing - not  just something
that is desirable, b) to bridge the gap between perceptions of inclusive
design and what it actually means. Until such time as we reach this stage I
am of the view that there is a key role for Local Access Groups to give the
benefit of their experience and ask pertinent questions through the planning
process.  Its been a long hard slog to get the point we are at and I
wouldn't want us to go backwards (as long as the group continues to give
quality which it does and would continue to do given half the chance!).

I've spent a long time leading the horse to water (Training, SPG, setting up
the Planning Access Forum  not to mention numerous consultations) I still
struggle to persuade them that these are good things!


That's the end of this moan.  I feel much better now.  Julie (Fleck), thanks
for the chat. I like the idea of getting more developers to attend the
meeting... I'll keep you posted.

It's a challenge isn't it?

Regards

Darryl

----------End of Message----------

Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at

www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html

You can JOIN or Leave the list from this web page as well