Listed and historic buildings,
as well as conservation areas are not exempt from compliance with
the DDA. Alteration and change to listed buildings is not
prohibitive, but rather more closely managed. Businesses which
operate from listed buildings need to take specialist advice about
how to remove access barriers and obtain the necessary consent prior
to undertaking works. Although there are restrictions on how listed
buildings can be altered, they are not exempt under the DDA. The
requirement under the DDA is that the access issues are identified
and possible solutions explored.
In 2005, English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund issued Easy
Access to Historic Landscapes<http://www.helm.org.uk/upload/pdf/EAHL_tagged.pdf?1252324925>
a publication to offer owners and managers of historic parks,
gardens and landscapes advice on improving access and reconciling
access with conservation interests. The guidance promotes an
inclusive approach to design and management of access, addressing
the needs of all people, regardless of age, gender, background or
disability. The publication looks at getting the balance between
access and conservation and some of the common problems and issues
in parks and gardens that are barriers to access. It also includes
sources of information on both improving access and conservation.
When English Heritage receives a listing
application we are statutorily obliged to give it full
consideration. The recommendation we reach is governed by a set of
selection guides, (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.8833)
which broadly set out what defines 'special interest'. Additionally,
our adviser's reports are thoroughly scrutinised and are subject to
a rigorous quality assurance process before being sent to the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport for a decision to be made.
If you have concerns ... about specific buildings/businesses,
it is perhaps worth first discussing the matter with the
conservation officer from the local authority, who are often the
decision making body when considering applications for changes to
listed buildings. English Heritage is committed to the principle of
providing access for all and strives to work in a pragmatic,
constructive manner when considering such applications, working in
accordance with government policy and guidance.
Rachel Williams - English Heritage
( Conservation Officers for Cornwall -
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=17385 )
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