DRC to lobby for new-build access

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is lobbying the government for better access in new buildings.

The DRC is urging the government to amend the current Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, which is currently being discussed in Parliament, to boost the number of accessible areas for disabled people.

The commission argues that under the current planning system disabled access in newly developed buildings is only introduced at the last minute. Legislation would ensure that all properties are designed with the needs of disabled people in mind, it argues.

Under the current system all new builds are required to meet minimum accessibility requirements. If the DRC's demands are accepted then any pub company or licensee building a new pub would be forced to meet stricter requirements on disabled access.

It could also mean licensees who are planning extensions to their buildings would have to meet these stricter requirements.

The commission is currently holding meetings with MPs to voice its concerns and discuss the details of the bill.

In a briefing to the government the DRC said: "The present planning system currently fails disabled people. The access needs of disabled people are marginal.

"Too often thought is only given to access at the last moment leading to an inadequate provision which is generally more expensive.

"The opportunity needs to be seized to ensure that in future development projects, buildings and spaces are created that are fully accessible and inclusive for disable people."

The government's alternative approach has been to introduce a good practice guide called Planning and Access for Disabled People, which provides information and advice on how to make properties more accessible.

Although a spokesman for the office of the Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed that it is currently discussing the proposals with the DRC, Bert Massie, chairman of the DRC, said: "The government has a real opportunity to turn mere guidance on planning to legislative reality.

"The DRC has lobbied for an amendment to the Planning Bill to ensure an accessible environment for disabled people."

But Barry Gillham, chairman of Fleurets, said: "If the planning legislation is for new bars it will probably make no difference. The problem is how you adapt a 500-year-old building."