A
design appraisal from an access perspective ensures that new build and
refurbishment projects are designed to best practice inclusive design
principles, consistent with the spirit of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
and current legislation.
Townson
Disability Consultancy (TDC) promotes inclusive design from first principles
with the understanding that disability is a function of a disabling environment
rather than of the individual.
TDC can
advise planners, architects, building surveyors and engineers on all matters
relating to access, by reviewing plans for new developments and proposed
improvements to existing buildings. This includes design advice, site visits to
monitor progress and final checks on buildings nearing completion.
We can provide cost
effective practical solutions and undertake implementation works.
Advice
is provided on a wide range of building types including sports and leisure complexes, shopping centres, arts centres,
hospitals, schools and universities.
Access Statements
Access
Statements are now required to support planning applications at the time plans
are deposited, when a building notice is supplied or when details of a project
are given to an approved inspector. They include; the philosophy and approach to
inclusive design; the key issues of a particular scheme and the sources of
advice and guidance used. This can assist dialogue between the applicant,
planners and building control officers. TDC consultants have backgrounds in
planning, architecture, building surveying, access, and project management.
Inclusive Design Best Practice
There
are many sources of advice available, both enshrined in legislation and from
specialist research establishments. We can provide detailed advice on the latest
requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations and British Standard BS 8300,
concerning access to buildings for disabled people, and BS5588 Part 8, covering
emergency egress from buildings.
We use the latest guidance
on lighting, colour contrast, signage, acoustics and assistive equipment for
disabled people.
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