Carlisle District Local Plan.indd - Carlisle City Council

Carlisle District Local Plan 2001 - 2016 Revised Redeposit draftCP145. Consideration should also be given to the guidance in ‘Better Access’ producedby Carlisle City Council, regarding building details and accessibility for all andBS 8300: 2001 ‘Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs ofdisabled people- Code of Practice’.3.60 Creating an inclusive ‘barrier free’ environment where everyone can participate equally andfully is an essential objective of sustainable development. The Disability Discrimination Act1995, reinforces this view giving disabled people important rights of access to everydayservices. This policy has been written with reference to ‘Planning and Access for DisabledPeople- A Good Practice Guide’ ODPM 2003 and ensures that the needs of disabledpeople, the sensory impaired and others with restricted mobility are taken into account whenproposals for development are considered. Part M of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations2004 imposes requirements on the design and construction for non-domestic buildings tomake them accessible for all people. English Heritage has published Easy Access to HistoricBuildings (July 2004) in order to assist with improved access to listed and other historicallyimportant buildings.3.61 Access to new buildings and public open space, and their approaches and space aroundthem should be designed in a way to allow freedom of movement for all. The provision ofa range of modes of transport including access for pedestrians, cyclists and non car usersshould be put in place and considered in the early design stages of a development.3.62 It is recognised that in certain circumstances, such as the protection of particular buildingsor the character of an area, the most satisfactory layout and design for accessibility andinclusion may not be practical. The onus in this situation will lie with the applicant todemonstrate to the Council, by way of an Access Statement, how they have sought tobalance these competing objectives.POLICY CP15 Public Transport, Pedestrians and CyclistsExisting provision for cyclists and pedestrians will be protected, promoted andenhanced. All new development, accessible by the public, should include provisionfor safe and convenient pedestrian and cycle access, including secure cycle parkingfacilities where appropriate. New development should help to create places that aresustainably well connected with each other, providing the right conditions to encouragewalking, cycling and the use of public transport.In assessing the suitability of new developments account will be taken as to theavailability of alternative modes of transport to the private car to ensure that new sitescan be reached sustainably. In considering the layout of a proposal, care should betaken to ensure that the needs of pedestrians and cyclists are placed before other trafficto ensure a safe environment for all.3.63 This policy seeks to promote the use of alternative means of transport to the private carthrough requiring adequate provision to be made in association with new development andsafeguarding and enhancing existing provision in line with guidance in PPG 13. This notonly serves to reduce emissions and improve safety, but also enables those without regularaccess to a car to have access, promoting social inclusion. Cycling and walking not onlypromote social inclusion but also have significant health benefits and recreational valuetherefore existing or planned cycle and pedestrian routes will be protected unless a suitablealternative can be provided.’September 2006 43