We work to improve access for all, be they people with a particular disability, parents with young children, the young, the elderly or those without use of a car.
The Planning Service promotes Access for All through our Access Officer in a number of ways.
Disability Discrimination Act
Employers, businesses and other organisations who allow public access to their premises now also have clear responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act. We can give advice on the physical aspects of how to achieve this.
Planning Applications
The Unitary Development Plan states that, when considering new development proposals, the council will have regard to access needs. Applications for planning permission are scrutinised to ensure that they comply with the council's detailed access guidelines, contained in the Access for All SPD and the requirement to submit a design and access statement.
Building Regulations
Part M (2004 Edition) of the Building Regulations 2000 requires new buildings that the public are to be admitted to include basic provision for people with disabilities. But, by adopting the concept of the 'mobility chain', the council seeks to exceed the statutory minimum requirements to provide for disabled people at all stages of a journey.
Wigan Access Committee
The Access Officer also works closely with the Wigan Access Committee to promote improvements in access to existing buildings and facilities. A major example of this is the Shopmobility schemes in Wigan and Leigh town centres, which the council initiated with Urban Programme funding and sponsorship from BT. Shopmobility provides convenient parking and free use of access aids, including wheelchairs, for visitors to the shops. Shopmobility has extended with satellite operations at Robin Park and several other town centres.
Access Grants
The Planning Service administers administers Access Grants to help property owners, particularly voluntary sector organisations such as clubs and churches, to adapt their premises to the needs of disabled people.
Access Improvements
In addition, access improvements are being made to the wider environment, such as dropped kerbs and tactile surfaces in town centres, when funding is made available.
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