idacs is pleased to advise that the proposed revision to the Accessible London Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) is now available for consultation. The previous version made clear what the GLA required in terms of inclusive design and this revision sees its intent strengthened. All too often we find that access is not thought of until it’s too late, so we are particularly keen to see the SPG including the RIBA plan of work ‘inclusive design overlay’ outlining how to deliver inclusive design during a project. It’s also great to see the SPG signposting people to the right place to get expert advice, such as the National Register of Access Consultants whom idacs staff are members of.

The SPG:

• Provides guidance on the policies contained in the London Plan regarding the creation and promotion of an accessible and inclusive environment.
• Gives local planning authorities advice on how to incorporate and implement these policies.
• Explains the principles of inclusive design and how these principles should be applied in London.
• Gives designers ideas on where to find good technical advice and guidance.
• Provides disabled people, older people and others who experience barriers in the built environment with an understanding of what to expect from planning in London.
• Identifies legislation and national planning policy guidance relevant to the promotion of an inclusive environment.
• Provides signposts to other relevant London Plan SPG documents and Implementation Guides which impact on the delivery of an inclusive environment.

Overall it’s clear to see that adopting an inclusive design approach early in the project mitigates planning risk as well as delivering better environments for people!

The consultation is available from the GLA website.