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| PART 2 - 9. COMMUNITY
SERVICES AND ACCESSIBILITY |
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INTRODUCTION |
| 9.1 |
The provision of appropriate community
services is a prerequisite for the proper functioning of any community.
These include the provision of social services, health care and education.
A wide range of public utilities, statutory bodies and voluntary organisations
in the Borough provide essential services including gas, electricity,
places of worship, community halls, community protection and emergency
services. The basic policies guiding the extent and direction of many
of these services are contained in the respective agencies' own plans.
The HUDP is required to have regard to community needs that are relevant
to land use policies. |
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NATIONAL POLICY CONTEXT |
| 9.2 |
The land use planning aspects of the provision
of community services at the national level has not been considered
in any comprehensive way, as is evident by the lack of any specific
Government Planning Policy Guidance. However, the 1990 Town and Country
Planning Act gives due recognition to the requirements of statutory
undertakers and public utilities. |
| 9.3 |
Promoting the health and wellbeing of
people is high on the Government agenda and the White Paper: Saving
Lives: Our Healthier Nation (1998), recognises the contribution of
good health to promoting a sustainable community and social inclusion.
The White Paper encourages national, regional and local bodies and
individuals to participate in achieving better health. The Government's
agenda on social care has been outlined in the Modernising Social
Services White Paper (November 1998). The Health and Social Care Bill
(December 2000) puts users firmly at the centre of the Government's
health strategy and envisages effective joint working arrangements
between the health agencies and social services departments to ensure
a seamless provision of services to users. The Bill also proposes
the setting up of Care Trusts and sets the year 2005 as the deadline
for this. In addition, the introduction of the Best Value programme
and Performance Assessment Framework, Quality Protects and National
Service Framework initiatives have wide implications for the way that
social care is delivered. These changes are likely to have land use
implications. In addition, the Council acknowledges the potential
link between land use planning and Community Strategies as well as
initiatives such as Government National Strategy for Neighbourhood
Renewal. |
| 9.4 |
The need for a creative approach to the
provision of facilities for education and training, which requires
partnership between local authorities and education providers, is
being advocated. The Government's commitment to life-long learning
enshrined in the publication "The Learning Age: A Renaissance for
A New Britain", is a pointer to the development of educational facilities
in the future. The document emphasises the need for the opportunity
for learning to take place in many different types of location. The
implementation of these new proposals will no doubt have some land
use implications. |
| 9.5 |
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
has made it unlawful to refuse services to someone for reasons related
to disability. This Act was extended in 1998, to provide additional
rights of access to goods, facilities and services including different
types of premises. From October 2004, service providers will be under
an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to their premises to
overcome barriers of access, which could exclude disabled people from
provision of goods and services. The Government agenda regarding social
inclusion further reinforces the need for ensuring that community
facilities and services meet the needs of the entire population. |
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REGIONAL POLICY CONTEXT |
| 9.6 |
RPG9 recognises the benefit of giving
careful consideration to health, education and other social infrastructure
requirements in the development plan process. It argues that development
plans should facilitate provision of new, as well as maximising the
potential of existing, community buildings. |
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LONDON-WIDE CONTEXT |
| 9.7 |
The regional strategic planning context
is provided by the spatial development strategy for London, the Mayor's
London Plan (February 2004). The policies in this chapter have been
drafted in the light of the vision, objectives and strategic policy
content of the Plan. |
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BOROUGH CONTEXT |
| 9.8 |
Within the context of scarce land resources
it is essential that policies and proposals for the provision of future
community services and facilities are included in the Plan, at a time
when major changes in Central Government's strategic approach and
financial support for these services are being implemented. Consideration
has been given to 'Care in the Community' initiatives, which are best
accommodated in existing residential areas. Clear policies that allow
decisions to be made by both the Council, as enabler, and specific
agencies involved in the provision of services, are necessary in order
to achieve the best use of limited resources. |
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DEMAND FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES |
| 9.9 |
It is Government policy for people who
were formerly looked after in institutions, care homes and special
hospitals, to be integrated into the community, whenever possible.
In addition to this, there was an on-going rationalisation programme
in the National Health Service, which led to hospital closures. In
Harrow, the hospital closure programme anticipated the resettlement
in the community of over 300 hospital patients. Whilst the Council
shares the Government's objective of reducing institutional care,
there are major reservations that current levels of capital and revenue
funding available to Local Authorities, Health Authorities and housing
associations will not be sufficient to meet the needs. For this objective
to be achieved the range of Council services available would need
to be complemented by those of the voluntary sector. The Council,
in partnership with the Health Authority, local NHS Trust, Primary
Care Groups, Brent and Harrow Family Health Services Authority and
other bodies, will ensure adequate provision for land use requirements
for health care, social services and community facilities in the Borough. |
| 9.10 |
In order that new community services and
facilities are provided there will be increasing pressure for redevelopment
of appropriate existing properties because of the falling supply of
undeveloped land. In a borough as built-up as Harrow the demand to
accommodate new services or the expansion of existing ones intensifies
the competition between land uses. It is essential that policies which
address the need for the provision of future community services and
facilities are carefully developed to minimise their impact on the
local environment. |
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COMMUNITY SERVICES AND
ACCESSIBILITY OBJECTIVES |
| 9.11 |
i) |
To improve and encourage the provision
of community and health care services in the Borough; |
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ii) |
To facilitate the proper location, design
and distribution of land and buildings for health, education and community
facilities in the Borough; and |
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iii) |
To improve access for all, particularly
ethnic minorities, disabled people and those with mobility difficulties. |
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PART 1 POLICY |
| 9.12 |
The Strategic policy for Community Services
and Accessibility (SC1) and reasoned justification is set out in Chapter
2 of the Plan. It covers the following matter: |
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SC1 - Provision of Community Services. |
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PART 2 POLICIES |
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Provision of Social
and Community Facilities |
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C2 |
THE COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE
THE RETENTION OF EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SEEK THE PROVISION
OF NEW ONES, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS IDENTIFIED TO BE IN NEED OF SUCH
FACILITIES OR FACILITIES REQUIRED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PARTICULAR
COMMUNITIES. |
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| 9.13 |
There is a general shortage of suitable
land and buildings for health, social and community uses in the Borough.
In view of this the Council encourages their retention and the provision
of new facilities in order to meet identified needs. Proposals involving
the loss of existing facilities or change of use will not be allowed
in areas identified as deficient, unless there is suitable replacement
as part of the development or in other suitable locations. The Council's
preference is that existing facilities should be retained is in line
with the Council's sustainability principles. |
| 9.14 |
In assessing whether a change of use is
acceptable or not, argument based on vacancy or lack of demand alone
will not be sufficient. Proposals will also be considered in the light
of such factors as: |
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- public transport accessibility;
- proximity to client groups;
- availability/suitability of alternative premises; and
- suitability of premises for other related uses.
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NURSERY AND CHILDCARE FACILITIES |
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Nursery Provision in
Residential Premises and Areas |
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C3 |
PROPOSALS FOR CHANGE
OF USE OF PART OR ALL OF THE GROUND FLOOR OF A DWELLING HOUSE TO DAY
NURSERY OR PLAYGROUP USE WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF SUCH FACTORS
AS:- |
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A) |
THE EFFECT ON THE AMENITIES
OF NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO NOISE DISTURBANCE
AND PRIVACY; |
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B) |
THE SCALE AND INTENSITY
OF USE OF THE PROPERTY AND THE CHARACTER OF THE LOCALITY; |
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C) |
THE PROVISION OF A SAFE
ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN AND VISITORS DELIVERING AND COLLECTING CHILDREN
AT THE PREMISES; |
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D) |
THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE
PARKING SPACES PROVIDED IN A VISUALLY ACCEPTABLE MANNER; AND |
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E) |
THE EFFECT ON HIGHWAY SAFETY
AND MOVEMENT. |
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| 9.15 |
The Government's ChildCare Strategy aims
to increase good quality childcare provision for children aged 0-4,
setting national targets to cover this development up to 2002. One
of the key areas for development will continue to be the provision
of funded places for 3 and 4 year olds. Harrow has established an
Early Years Development and Childcare Plan with representatives from
childcare providers including the voluntary sector, social services,
schools, colleges and local businesses. The Plan outlines priorities
and issues that need to be addressed. These include ensuring the quality
of new and existing provision, building capacity among after-school
clubs, pre-schools, holiday play scheme and child minders, working
with employers and supporting a career structure for childcare workers.
Over the three years of the Plan (2000 - 2003) there is a planned
increase of 1,370 childcare places in Harrow (across all sectors).
Increasing the number of childcare places will require potentially
a combination of new facilities and expansion of existing ones. |
| 9.16 |
The provision of childcare facilities
constitutes a material change of use, for which planning permission
is required, for any development catering for more than 4 children.
The Council's responsibility is to ensure that the right balance is
struck between the need to encourage such facilities in residential
areas and the desire to retain existing housing stock. Therefore,
any future development must be in keeping with the overall housing
and environmental objectives. |
| 9.17 |
Proposals to use parts of existing residential
dwellings as nurseries or play groups, must respect the amenity of
neighbouring occupants, not be detrimental to the environmental quality
of the surroundings and have regard to the presumption against the
loss of residential land/buildings in the Borough (see Policy
H11). Although the impact of an individual proposal will usually
be localised, the Council will avoid the over-concentration of nurseries,
playgroups and other childcare facilities in any area in order to
prevent an unacceptable adverse impact on the street scene and the
local environment. In addition, such change of use should normally
be limited to the ground floor and remain subordinate to the residential
character of the property. |
| 9.18 |
The use of a whole house would not normally
be acceptable, but there may be circumstances where this is unavoidable.
In assessing individual proposals, the Council will consider the siting,
size and setting of the particular property and seek to ensure that
the use would not cause nuisance or create unacceptable impact on
the local area or result in cramped conditions for the children involved.
The type and size of dwelling and land surrounding it must be appropriate
to accommodate the necessary parking and also allow some outdoor pursuits
for the children, without causing unreasonable amenity problems. It
is considered that detached or semi-detached dwellings on corner plots
have the greatest potential for these types of uses. The use of small
terraced houses and other small properties could result in an over-intensive
use and be detrimental to the amenities of neighbours. |
| 9.19 |
Because of the age of the children being
catered for, any new proposals should have regard to safety and amenity
of nearby property in terms of such factors as accessibility, noise
and traffic. It is important to ensure that safe setting down and
picking up areas are provided in addition to parking provision for
staff and parents visiting. |
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Nursery Provision in
other Premises (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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C4 |
THE COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER
FAVOURABLY PROPOSALS FOR THE USE OF A CHURCH HALL, COMMUNITY HALL
OR OTHER NON-RESIDENTIAL PREMISES AS A NURSERY OR PLAYGROUP PROVIDED:- |
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A) |
THERE IS NO ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECT ON THE LOCALITY; AND |
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B) |
IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE
A TRAFFIC HAZARD. |
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| 9.20 |
The use of church, community halls and
other suitable premises for day nurseries or playgroups provides an
opportunity for meeting some of the continued demand for nursery places
in the Borough. Adequate measures should be taken to ensure that this
does not result in any adverse environmental problems. The location
must be appropriate in terms of surrounding land uses and be accessible
by public transport. |
| 9.21 |
New proposals will be assessed in terms
of the physical capacity of the building/premises to accommodate additional
activities, the additional traffic, car parking and other environmental
impact. Any extension must be well designed and provide the opportunity
for securing landscape improvements, where appropriate. |
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Nursery and Childcare
Facilities (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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C5 |
THE COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE
THE PROVISION OF CHILDCARE AND RELATED FACILITIES IN MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS
IN APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS IN THE BOROUGH. |
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| 9.22 |
The provision of good quality childcare
facilities can be beneficial to employers by helping them to attract
and retain staff, reduce absenteeism and overcome skill shortages.
The Council recognises the necessity of providing premises and facilities
for childcare to meet the needs of the population. This may be part
of wider regeneration initiatives or a large scale mixed-use scheme.
Combining such facilities with appropriate major developments, apart
from ensuring access for all, can also contribute to their attractiveness.
It can also assist those with childcare responsibilities who wish
to find employment to do so and could help to achieve regeneration
objectives as well as promote the principles of social inclusion.
There is a clear need for creches, day nurseries and other childcare
facilities to enhance opportunities for women and ethnic minorities
to obtain employment or further education. It is likely that this
need will increase and the demand for suitable premises and services
must be planned for. One way of meeting this need is at major workplaces. |
| 9.23 |
A major development that caters for the
wider community could form part of a mixed-use development in a town
centre location or in an area with good access to public transport.
The provision of childcare facilities as part of large commercial
or office development is particularly beneficial to parents, as this
would make shopping more pleasant and less of a burden for many. Facilities
such as creche, changing rooms, seats etc. could make it easier for
parents with young children to use communal facilities and public
buildings. Adequate childcare facilities in the Borough are likely
to benefit everyone since this can promote community well-being and
reduce social isolation. |
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EDUCATION |
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First and Middle Schools (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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C6 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO ENSURE THAT FIRST AND MIDDLE SCHOOL PROVISION MATCHES POPULATION
REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SCHOOLS WHERE AND WHEN
NECESSARY. |
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| 9.24 |
The Council's School Organisation Plan,
which is reviewed annually, sets out the arrangements for the provision
of places, identifies factors affecting demand for provision and establishes
a framework for assessing their impact. It also provides demographic
information to support decision-making on changes in the organisation
of provision, within the context of improving educational standards.
Even if there is no overall growth in enrolment figures the changes
in educational provision may lead to some land use changes, in particular
the need for expansion and provision of additional facilities within
the present sites. It is, however, probable that variations in the
size of the school-age population throughout the Plan period will
result in the alteration or expansion of some schools in the Borough.
It is not certain when this will occur, but the Council recognises
the need to respond positively to any future changes affecting First
and Middle Schools in the Borough. Further needs and expansion programmes
will be kept under constant review throughout the period of the Plan.
The extent to which need can be met, by expanding existing schools,
is limited by site constraints. |
| 9.25 |
The Council reviews the supply of school
places and monitors change in pupils' population. This may lead to
a change in the level of provision, either through expansion or reduction
in the number of places available. Although population predictions
indicate that pupil numbers will level out over the next 15 years,
there remains the potential for other development area, such as housing,
that could have major impact on demand. It is unlikely that existing
facilities would enable significant expansion to be achieved. There
is, therefore, a need to safeguard land already allocated for educational
use and, if necessary, to identify new sites to meet additional demands
or changes in provision. |
| 9.26 |
The number of first and middle school
places increased with the opening of Whitchurch First and Middle Schools
in the mid 1990s, and the Moriah First & Middle School opened in 1999.
Other increases in places to meet a short-term rise in demand have
been achieved through the provision of temporary classrooms. The Council
will continue to review the use of temporary accommodation to meet
this type of demand and to effect removal when there is a decline
in demand. |
| 9.27 |
The Council considers that the provision
of good quality school buildings, with appropriate facilities, is
important. In considering any future proposal to locate or expand
existing schools, the Council must be satisfied that the sites and
buildings are appropriate to meet the needs of the users and the community
in general. Other important considerations include the amenity of
the local environment, access to public transport, pedestrian and
cycle routes and the provision for car parking. The Council will expect
all new or major school expansion schemes to be accompanied by a Travel
Plan. |
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New Education Facilities
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C7 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO ENSURE THAT APPROPRIATE EDUCATION FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED. IN CONSIDERING
PROPOSALS FOR NEW SCHOOLS OR THE EXPANSION OF EXISTING ONES, THE FOLLOWING
CRITERIA WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT: |
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A) |
THE LOCAL POPULATION AND
THE NEED FOR NEW EDUCATION FACILITIES IN THE AREA; |
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B) |
ACCESSIBILITY OF THE SITE
WITH REGARD TO ITS CATCHMENT AREA AND TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, PAYING
PARTICULAR REGARD TO ENSURING THAT THE SITE IS READILY ACCESSIBLE
BY NON-CAR MODES AND INTEGRATED INTO THE SURROUNDING AREA; AND |
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C) |
THE AVAILABILITY OF SAFE
SETTING-DOWN AND PICKING-UP POINTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL SITE. |
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| 9.28 |
The Council, as a Local Education Authority,
will closely monitor changes in school population levels and anticipated
demand for school places in order to discharge its statutory responsibilities.
It will also attempt to accommodate the needs of the voluntary-aided
sector and private sector schools and respond positively to proposals
for new facilities. In assessing individual proposals the Council
will seek to ensure that proposed developments and facilities are
located where they best meet the needs of school children and students
of tertiary and adult education, without adverse environmental effect
on the character of the locality. |
| 9.29 |
New development must not be detrimental
to the environmental quality of the surrounding locality or the amenities
of residents. There will be a limit to the level of school expansion
on existing sites and any growth in the number of pupils/students
may result in pressures for re-location. Because of the particular
space needs of schools and associated playing fields, it is likely
that a new school may, in exceptional circumstances, be located on
an existing open space. In such a case, the detailed siting and design
of the school and its surroundings will need to be carefully controlled
to avoid amenity problems and maintain the openness of the area as
much as possible. The Council will expect all proposals for a new
school or expansions to be accompanied by a Travel Plan. |
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Health Care and Social
Services |
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C8 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE SUFFICIENT APPROPRIATE SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH
CARE FACILITIES TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE PROVISION
OF NEW OR EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING FACILITIES WILL NORMALLY BE PERMITTED
PROVIDED THAT:- |
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A) |
THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
IS LOCATED IN A WAY THAT WOULD NOT RESULT IN ANY SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE
IMPACT ON THE AMENITY OF NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTS; |
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B) |
THE PREMISES ARE WELL SERVED
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ACCESSIBLE BY A RANGE OF TRANSPORT OPTIONS
TO THE CATCHMENT POPULATION THEY SERVE; |
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C) |
THERE WOULD BE NO LOSS
OF A SATISFACTORY RESIDENTIAL UNIT UNLESS THERE IS AN OVERWHELMING
NEED FOR SUCH A DEVELOPMENT; AND |
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D) |
THE PROPOSAL PROVIDES THE
LEVELS OF CAR PARKING APPROPRIATE TO THE USE OF THE BUILDING AND WOULD
NOT HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON HIGHWAY SAFETY. |
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| 9.30 |
The Council recognises the need for adequate
health care facilities and acknowledges the new national health strategy
aims to improve the health of the population as a whole and most importantly
improve the health of the worst off in society. The Government White
Paper, Our Healthier Nation, emphasises the need for collaborative
working between agencies to help effect health improvements. The Council
will, therefore, work in partnership with various agencies and voluntary
bodies to ensure the provision of adequate healthcare facilities in
the Borough. The Council will also, in addition to assisting in identifying
suitable sites, work with Health Authorities to determine suitable
alternative uses for sites considered surplus to requirements, in
order to ensure a smooth implementation of the NHS Plan. This policy
is directed towards small and local provision with no requirement
for large institutions in Harrow. |
| 9.31 |
Throughout the Plan period the use of
sites and buildings will be re-appraised to ensure that the available
resources are deployed in a manner which best addresses the need of
the Borough's residents and of people returning to Harrow from long-stay
hospitals. The Council will support the location of day centres and
other similar uses within town centres with good transport connections,
but not where they would break the sequence of important commercial
frontages. Demographic and policy changes will determine the shifting
emphasis in the scale of need. The variety of services such as health
care (hospital, nursing home and community services for all groups),
and social care (residential, day and resource/fieldwork centres for
elderly people, people with physical and/or mental handicaps, and
people affected by mental illness) will be monitored. |
| 9.32 |
In order to discharge its statutory responsibilities,
and to assist private and voluntary agencies to provide for a variety
of social services and health care needs, the Council's Social Services
Department and Brent and Harrow Health Authority will monitor the
diverse requirements which will arise during the Plan period. In assessing
individual planning proposals, the Council will need to consider whether
the facilities are proposed in locations which meet the needs of the
users, balanced against environmental and amenity considerations.
In many instances this may involve locations within existing residential
areas, reflecting the Council's intention to ensure that such facilities
and their users are integrated within such areas in accordance with
the Government strategic aims of social inclusion and integration. |
| 9.33 |
One of the basic principles that underpins
the 1999 Health Act is the development of partnerships between different
statutory and voluntary agencies. Although Harrow has a long tradition
of joint working, the new emphasis on partnership will undoubtedly
facilitate the development of projects falling within the health and
social care service areas. In terms of health care delivery in Harrow,
the Harrow Health Authority, the Brent and Harrow Family Health Services
and the Council continue to have sole responsibility. The Government's
encouragement of private health care may, in the long run, have some
implications for existing facilities and future provision. The Council
recognises that demand in the private sector could be met through
the re-use of Health Authority land or premises that may become surplus
to requirements. |
| 9.34 |
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
(RNOH), Stanmore, is a well established specialist Orthopaedic centre.
The Council will seek to agree a development brief with the RNOH Trust
for the site, which will set a development curtilage within which
all built form is to be consolidated. It will also negotiate with
the Trust to secure the demolition of buildings outside the development
curtilage and the retention of open land, including essential landscaping.
Whilst any future redevelopment of the existing hospital site should
make provision for improved access, it should not, however, result
in any significant adverse effect on the Green Belt, Area of Special
Character and Site of Nature Conservation Importance. In dealing with
applications arising from the development brief, planning conditions
and an appropriate Legal Agreement, to achieve the objectives of the
development brief, may be necessary. |
| 9.35 |
In situations where land and/or buildings
currently owned or used by the Council or Health Authority, for social
service or health care, are no longer required, proper consideration
should be given to their medium and long-term alternative use(s).
The Council's overall aim is to prevent the loss of health and social
services facilities. It is, therefore, important to evaluate all possible
alternative uses before a decision is made. When a change of use is
proposed temporary permission should first be given, so that the premises
could be brought back to health and social services use, if and when
necessary. |
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Doctors' Surgeries (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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C9 |
IN CONSIDERING A PLANNING
APPLICATION FOR :- |
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A) |
THE CHANGE OF USE OF RESIDENTIAL
PREMISES TO A GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS' SURGERY; AND/OR |
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B) |
EXTENSIONS TO RESIDENTIAL
PREMISES BEING USED OR TO BE USED AS A GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS'
SURGERY, THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA MUST BE MET:- |
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1) |
THE PROPOSAL SHOULD NOT HAVE AN ADVERSE
IMPACT ON THE AMENITY OF NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTS OR THE CHARACTER OF
THE LOCALITY; |
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2) |
ADEQUATE PARKING SET OUT IN A VISUALLY
ACCEPTABLE MANNER AND WITHOUT ADVERSE EFFECTS ON HIGHWAY SAFETY AND
MOVEMENT MUST BE PROVIDED; AND |
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3) |
THE PREMISES SHOULD BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE
TO THE USERS. |
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| 9.36 |
Historically, general practitioners have
located in residential areas and the surgeries often form part of
the doctor's residence. In view of their essential role, the Council
recognises the need for them to continue to be located as near as
possible to their catchment population. However, group practices have
emerged as a common feature of medical services and modern practices
now involve the integration of different activities including minor
operations, immunisation, counselling, antenatal care, and ancillary
workers such as practice nurses, receptionists, chiropodists or other
medical staff. The changing nature of general practitioners has made
it difficult to accommodate new facilities within residential areas
without changing the residential character of the locality. |
| 9.37 |
Sites for purpose-built surgeries are
unlikely to be easily obtained in established residential areas due
to lack of suitable sites and competition for sites from other land
uses. Therefore, the pressure for the conversion of existing buildings
is likely to continue. Generally these cannot be provided in residential
premises without loss of residential accommodation which would be
against the Council's normal policy to retain existing housing. Flexibility
in relation to the Council's housing policy may be considered appropriate
in some cases in order to ensure that doctors can continue to provide
services to their existing patients. Adequate measures are necessary
to ensure that this does not compromise the amenity of nearby property
or create traffic problems. Because of the amenity and traffic problems
which might arise from other developments in the same Use Class, it
will be necessary to attach conditions limiting the use to that for
which permission is sought. |
| 9.38 |
Where residential premises allow for a
high standard of provision of appropriate size, the general presumption
against the loss of residential use may be waived because of the overriding
need for convenient locations and the importance of health care to
the community. In general terms, large corner plots and detached properties
would generally provide the greatest scope for this type of use. This
will facilitate improvement of services both in terms of standards
of provision and range of services, taking account of both medical
and nursing needs. |
| 9.39 |
In considering proposals for the expansion
or relocation of practices, account should be taken of their location
in relation to public transport, traffic flow and off-street parking.
Locations close to public transport will increase accessibility. The
provision of off-street parking for employees should be carefully
located to minimise any environmental impact and adverse effect on
the amenity of neighbours. In order to minimise the impact on adjacent
areas, conditions and an appropriate Legal Agreement may be attached
to permissions limiting the use. |
| 9.40 |
There may be a need to allow other health
facilities such as dentists, which have slightly different locational
requirements, within local shopping parades. Users of these services
are more widespread and could well combine a visit to a facility with
a shopping trip. |
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Community Buildings
and Places of Worship |
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C10 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO MAINTAIN AND RETAIN EXISTING PREMISES USED BY COMMUNITY OR RELIGIOUS
GROUPS IN THE BOROUGH. IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR NEW FACILITIES,
THE COUNCIL WILL ENSURE THAT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: |
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A) |
IS LOCATED IN THE CATCHMENT
POPULATION IT SERVES; |
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B) |
IS ACCESSIBLE AND WELL
SERVED BY A RANGE OF TRANSPORT OPTIONS INCLUDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT; |
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C) |
HAS NO SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE
IMPACT ON NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES AND DOES NOT DETRACT FROM THE VISUAL
AMENITY OF THE AREA; AND |
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D) |
PROVIDES APPROPRIATE LEVELS
OF CAR PARKING AND WOULD NOT HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON HIGHWAY SAFETY. |
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| 9.41 |
The Council recognises the importance
of community and religious groups and the need to use available facilities
to the full. Although many community buildings, meeting rooms, churches
and religious buildings exist in the Borough, the demand for more
premises is very high. Many community groups and voluntary bodies,
particular ethnic minority groups, lack suitable premises for social,
cultural and religious activities. Therefore, the Council will encourage
the retention of existing and the provision of new community facilities,
in appropriate locations, in the Borough. Because of land scarcity
and the need to make full and effective use of resources, the Council
will continue to encourage dual use of these premises and facilities
in the Borough. |
| 9.42 |
There is a shortage of premises and sites
large enough to accommodate new meeting halls, places of worship and
community centres in the Borough. Therefore, where opportunities arise,
the Council will encourage the provision of such facilities as part
of major development proposals, provided that there are no detrimental
effects on the environmental quality of the surrounding district or
locality. The potential traffic and parking problems will be given
due consideration in any new proposals or expansions and planning
applications for such development should be accompanied by a Travel
Plan. |
| 9.43 |
The Council will consider favourably schemes
where it can be demonstrated that the use will principally serve a
local community, would not result in unacceptable levels of traffic
or have an unacceptable effect on neighbouring residents. Sites should
be accessible by a range of transport options and should not lead
to unacceptable levels of on-street parking. The Council will encourage
the location of activities such as youth clubs, social clubs and dancing
halls in former commercial premises in order to preserve the amenity
or residential areas. |
| 9.44 |
There may be exceptional situations where
the needs of individual voluntary groups, including those providing
counselling services, can be accommodated within residential properties
provided that the Council is satisfied that the facility is necessary
and cannot be accommodated elsewhere. In assessing any such proposals,
the effect on neighbouring residents and implications on visual amenity
of the area will be considered. Opportunities to increase the supply
of additional facilities may arise in the form of Planning Obligations
where a major new development takes place. |
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Ethnic Communities |
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C11 |
THE COUNCIL WILL ENDEAVOUR
TO ADDRESS THE DIVERSE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS OF ETHNIC COMMUNITIES
IN THE BOROUGH. |
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| 9.45 |
The Council recognises the need to consider
adequately different ethnic communities in the planning process. These
groupings have distinct cultural identities and distinct social needs.
To ensure the Plan adequately serves the needs of Harrow's population,
it is important that the needs of ethnic communities are addressed.
One of the principle objectives of the Government agenda is the need
to reduce social exclusion and this requires local planning authorities
to consider the wider community in the preparation of UDP policies.
The Council, through the UDP policies and proposals aim to create
an environment that serves the whole of the Borough by ensuring that
development proposals take account of the specific needs of ethnic
minority groups. |
| 9.46 |
As the Borough's ethnic diversity increases,
the pressure for greater recognition of cultural diversity is likely
to lead to additional demand for a variety of community facilities
and greater awareness of the aspiration of community groups which
might have land use implications. It is therefore important to ensure
that the Plan adequately serves the need of Harrow population, by
taking into account the specific needs of ethnic communities. |
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Community Protection
and Emergency Services (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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C12 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO ENSURE THAT APPROPRIATE FACILITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY PROTECTION
AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO MEET THE NEEDS
OF THE POPULATION AND ARE DESIGNED TO MINIMISE ANY ADVERSE EFFECT
ON THE LOCALITY. |
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| 9.47 |
Whilst the Council is not directly involved
with the day-to-day operations of services delivered by Community
Protection and Emergency Services, including the Prison Service, it
will seek to ensure that these agencies have sufficient land in order
to be able to function properly within the Borough. The Council will
also promote regular liaison with bodies such as the police, London
Fire Brigade and ambulance services and enter into early discussion
when land disposals are being considered. Where major new developments
are proposed, which could give rise to amenity issues, the Council
will seek to ensure that works are carried out satisfactorily. |
| 9.48 |
The Council acknowledges the need for
provision of facilities to best meet the needs of Harrow's residents.
The locational requirements of any new service or facility will be
assessed in terms of design, the impact on the adjoining area, access
to public transport and other amenity issues. |
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Statutory Bodies and
Utility Companies (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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C13 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO ENSURE THAT FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY PUBLIC UTILITIES
AND SUPPORT SERVICES ARE WELL DESIGNED TO MINIMISE ANY ADVERSE EFFECT
ON THE LOCALITY AND CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS. |
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| 9.49 |
Statutory bodies and utility companies
operating in Harrow provide essential services such as electricity,
post, telephone, water, gas, cable and satellite TV to the Borough's
residents, but their activities can sometimes create considerable
environmental problems. While some developments undertaken by the
agencies require the Council's authorisation, the majority is regarded
as 'Permitted Development' where the Council has no control. The Council
is, however, consulted on the installation of equipment or structures
required by utility companies, which enables it to influence their
activities and help to minimise environmental impact. Within the Plan
period there may be situations where additional land is required by
the statutory undertakers or surplus sites may need to be released
for alternative uses. |
| 9.50 |
An essential part of the process of accommodating
new development and improving the quality of services to the public
is the need for utility companies to improve the existing infrastructure
in the Borough. The Council will help to ensure that appropriate land
and buildings are available in order to address these needs. The Council
is, however, concerned about the quality of the environment and will
continue to liaise with the various statutory bodies to ensure proper
provision of these services to meet the needs of the Borough's residents
and businesses whilst minimising any adverse environmental impact
arising from their activities. |
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Public Conveniences |
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C14 |
THE COUNCIL WILL RESIST
THE LOSS OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCES, SEEK THE PROVISION OF NEW PUBLIC
CONVENIENCES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING ONES, AND ENCOURAGE DEVELOPERS
TO INCLUDE THEM IN APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENTS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS
AND VISITORS. |
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| 9.51 |
The availability of public conveniences
of a high standard throughout the Borough is important to residents
and visitors alike. In addition to maintaining and modernising existing
public conveniences in the Borough, the Council will encourage developers
to incorporate public conveniences in new schemes, particularly in
town centres. The Council will also aim to identify sites in areas
deficient in such facilities, and will require the provision of facilities
which are properly designed for use by people with disabilities. |
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Cemeteries and Crematoria |
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C15 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO PROTECT EXISTING AS WELL AS PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BURIAL FACILITIES
AND CREMATORIA IN THE BOROUGH. PROPOSALS FOR A NEW CEMETERY/CREMATORIUM
WILL BE RESISTED IF IT WOULD:- |
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A) |
ENCROACH UPON EXISTING
SPORT OR OPEN AIR RECREATION FACILITIES; OR |
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B) |
CREATE AN ADVERSE IMPACT
ON SURFACE OR GROUNDWATER, AREAS OF NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE
AND/OR ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST; OR |
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C) |
GENERATE UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS
OF ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC IN THE SURROUNDING ROADS OR NOT BE IN KEEPING
IN TERMS OF SCALE; OR |
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D) |
CREATE AN ADVERSE IMPACT
ON THE CHARACTER OF AN AREA BY REASONS OF SIZE OR SCALE OF ASSOCIATED
BUILDINGS SUCH AS CHAPEL, RECEPTION HALL AND CREMATORIUM. |
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| 9.52 |
Cemeteries are valuable green spaces,
particularly in built-up areas where there is little or no public
open space. In such areas the local community can benefit from increased
public access to cemeteries for passive recreation. They can also
be important wildlife habitats and nature conservation sites. |
| 9.53 |
The capacity of existing cemeteries in
the Borough as elsewhere in London is very limited and the need for
new ones has been publicly acknowledged. New provision for burial
space and cremation, wherever possible, should be sited in convenient
and accessible locations. This should be achieved without encroaching
upon existing sport or open-air recreation facilities, areas of importance
for nature conservation or buildings and features of architectural
or historical interest. In Harrow there are practical difficulties
of finding a sufficiently large site which could satisfy requirements
of the Cremation Act 1902. Its main tenet stipulates that such facilities
should be located away from residential property. In addition, the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a further constraint in terms
of more stringent pollution control measures to be undertaken. |
| 9.54 |
The Council recognises the need for additional
facilities and will continue to liaise with relevant groups concerning
their specific requirements. There is a need for future cemeteries
to cater for a variety of groups and religious faiths. The demand
for specialist cemeteries and crematoria, suitable for groups including
the Hindu community, is growing and the need to consider this in any
future proposals is essential. Although cemeteries are an appropriate
Green Belt use, ancillary buildings and the scale of the proposal
should not undermine its integrity. Crematoria are, however, not considered
as appropriate in Harrow Green Belt or Metropolitan Open Land (MOL). |
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Access to Buildings
and Public Spaces |
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C16 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO ENSURE THAT BUILDINGS AS WELL AS PUBLIC SPACES ARE READILY ACCESSIBLE
TO ALL, PARTICULARLY ELDERLY PEOPLE AND DISABLED PEOPLE, INCLUDING
WHEELCHAIR USERS. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SHOULD BE ADEQUATELY DESIGNED
TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF ALL USERS. |
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| 9.55 |
Given the provision of the Disability
Discrimination Act 1995, the Council's aim is to ensure that disabled
people can lead as fully integrated lives in the community as possible.
It is important that those with mobility problems or with visual,
hearing or intellectual impairments are not denied the opportunities
to participate in normal activities. The Council will, therefore,
encourage environmental improvements and ensure that design features
that impede mobility are eliminated from both existing and new residential
and non-residential buildings. Apart from access, it is also necessary
to take into account the needs of disabled people in the design and
location of buildings. In addition, improving access to buildings
to accommodate the needs of disabled people will complement Part M
(Access and Facilities for Disabled People) Building Regulations 1991.
However, it may not always be practicable or desirable to carry out
satisfactorily the necessary improvements in existing buildings, especially
Listed Buildings. |
| 9.56 |
The intention of this policy is to ensure
that, as far as is reasonable, through the planning system, new housing
(irrespective of whether it is initially occupied by a disabled person
or not) will contribute to meeting the needs of disabled people and
enable them to live independently in the community. If an increasing
proportion of the general housing stock is designed to a standard
which makes this possible, it will allow disabled people more choice
of housing. Equally it will make it increasingly unnecessary for people
to move or restrict their visits to neighbours if they become less
mobile and will therefore reduce public expenditure on costly adaptations
when people become disabled. There may occasionally be overriding
reasons why certain sites are unsuitable; for example, terrain, isolated
sites, or where there are overwhelming conservation reasons which
would make it impracticable to provide satisfactory level access to
the dwelling. |
| 9.57 |
People who use wheelchairs are as varied
in their housing needs as the rest of the population. Very little
existing housing, or new conversions, is suitable for people who permanently
use a wheelchair. This policy will help to redress this historic imbalance
and give disabled people a choice of housing of different types and
tenures, and enable more people to remain in their homes if they become
disabled. It is important that all new housing developments are built
to a standard which make them adaptable and capable of use by people
who use wheelchairs. |
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Access to Leisure,
Recreation, Community and Retail Facilities |
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C17 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO ENSURE THAT ALL DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO RETAIL FACILITIES, LEISURE,
RECREATION AND OTHER SERVICES ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF DISABLED
PEOPLE, PARENTS WITH CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY AND OTHER PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS. |
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| 9.58 |
The need to improve accessibility for
all has been reinforced by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
and the Council acknowledges that improved access benefits a wide
range of people, including those temporarily disabled or those accompanied
by children or carrying heavy loads. The Council attaches great importance
to the need for easy access to public facilities such as parks, libraries,
recreation facilities, hotels, public toilets and other community
facilities and regards these as integral components of a more accessible
environment. Satisfactory access to facilities is very important and
may be the deciding factor in choosing the destination for a trip,
not only for disabled people, but also for other people such as parents
with small children and elderly people. In addition to access to the
facilities themselves, it is important that their locations around
the Borough relate to the distribution of the residential population,
to minimise journey lengths and increase general accessibility. |
| 9.59 |
The Council's aim is, as far as possible,
to support ways of promoting recreation for people who have impaired
mobility. The Council has established "circular walks" in the Green
Belt which include sections suitable for people who use wheelchairs
or with pushchairs. Such provision will continue to be encouraged,
wherever practicable, as and when the network or facility is developed.
This general approach will be extended to other public open space
where possible. There is scope for nature conservation trails, scented
gardens for the enjoyment of both the sighted and sight-impaired,
and gardens designed for those with physical impairments. |
| 9.60 |
Access to shops is a significant planning
issue, as shopping trips are one of the most frequent reasons for
going outside the home. In addition to improving access to and within
the shops, and the provision of toilet facilities in large stores,
opportunities for disabled people to make shopping trips will be increased
by the proximity of homes to shops. For this reason it is important
to use planning powers to retain the provision of small-scale local
shopping facilities, and to encourage their provision in new development
where there is no access to local shops. It is also important for
the shops to be user friendly with ready access for people in wheelchairs. |
| 9.61 |
Activities such as going to work, to the
shops, to cinemas and restaurants, or even moving around the home
are taken for granted by most people. But these can be very difficult,
if not impossible, for disabled people. Additionally, anyone carrying
heavy shopping or servicing shops, offices, etc. will also benefit
from easier access. In relation to existing buildings, developers
will be expected to comply with the policy, where a development involves
changes to access, unless it can be effectively demonstrated that
such provision is not practicable. Requirements for addressing sensory
impairment are included also. The Council will publish Supplementary
Planning Guidance which shows how buildings can be made accessible
taking into account the Building Regulations and the Disability Discrimination
Act. |
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Special Mobility Requirements
and Access to Transport |
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C18 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE MEET THE
NEEDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE, THE ELDERLY, PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
AND THOSE WHO ARE FRAIL. |
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| 9.62 |
The Council recognises the needs of people
with special mobility difficulties and the role of public transport
authorities in meeting their mobility and accessibility requirements.
The design of transport facilities can enhance the ease of access
of people with pushchairs, heavy shopping and young children, as well
as disabled people. Appropriate timetabling and routing of buses and
trains can maximise access and improve safety through increased frequency
of services. More accessible public transport will benefit all and
promote the principles of social inclusion and sustainability. |
| 9.63 |
The Council supports a range of measures
to improve mobility and will continue to support the London-wide concessionary
fare "Taxi-card" and "Dial-a-ride" schemes and will resist any proposals
that will lead to their diminution. These are very necessary, offering
a more flexible and convenient travel to a wide range of disabled
people than the Mobility Bus and enabling them to live as independently
as possible. The Mobility Bus is, however, a further means of ensuring
a regular and reliable transport service for disabled people to make
shopping, social and other necessary trips. |
| 9.64 |
In negotiations with developers, the Local
Planning Authority seeks to ensure new developments contribute to
improved mobility and accessibility to work and services. The Council
will also continue to liaise with Transport for London, Network Rail
and other public transport operators to ensure their facilities are
accessible to as wide a range of people and abilities as possible
and that a co-ordinated and comprehensive provision of services for
these sectors of the population is achieved. |
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