KCC asks public for guidance on shape of things to come

How do you want your town, city or county to look over the next decade? A new initiative by Kent County Council is asking everyone to have their say in how public spaces and frontages should look for any new work carried out in future.

Accessibility for everyone is a big part of the request for public views which will be used to guide developers and planning consultants as well as councils which grant planning permission.

Your views will be part of a new document called Inclusive Design and Placemaking, which will set out design guidelines and criteria to ensure future development takes account of the needs of people - such as parents with prams, the elderly and those with visual impairments or mobility problems - who might have difficulty entering shops, offices, homes or public spaces.

You can view and comment on Inclusive Design and Placemaking online at www.kent.gov.uk/inclusivedesignandplacemaking.

Printed copies are available at all libraries, Gateways and at Sessions House, County Hall in Maidstone , for five weeks.

Inclusive Design and Placemaking was developed collaboratively by Kent County Council, Maidstone Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.The document also provides links to relevant legislation, standards, guidance and best practice case studies, to ensure that a more comprehensive approach to accessibility is considered during the early stages of design and development.