Guidance on inclusive design for town centres and busy streets

Closed 29 Mar 2024

Opened 11 Jan 2024

Overview

When the design of town centres and busy street environments does not fully take into account the needs of all members of the community, people may become excluded from these areas and the essential functions that they provide. Potential barriers to access should be removed and not included in any scheme.

This national guidance has been developed to support the design of town centres and busy streets that are inclusive. It is based on the premise that if the area is designed for disabled people, then the majority will benefit.

This draft guidance was developed in response to research which identified that street design should consider the needs of everyone and should take into account all Protected Characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. The research recommended that the principles which it identified should be embedded in guidance and applied practice.

Guidance on Inclusive Design for Town Centres and Busy Streets

Easy read version 

Useful information about responding to this consultation

As you complete your response, each page will provide the option to 'Save and come back later' at the bottom. This means you can save your progress and return to the consultation at any time before it closes. If you don't use this feature and leave the consultation midway through, your response will be lost.

Once you have submitted your response, you can enter your email address to get a pdf copy of your answers sent to you.

On the 'About You' page at the end of this consultation, organisations will have the opportunity to tell us more about their work and/or how their response was informed.

After the consultation has closed there will be a few months delay before any responses are published. This is because we must check any responses to be published abide by our Terms of Use.

A analysis report will usually be published some months after the consultation has closed. This report will summarise the findings based on all responses submitted. It will be published on the Scottish Government website and you may be notified about it if you choose to share your email address with us. You can also join our consulation mailing list where we regularly list newly published analysis reports (as well as new consultations).

 

Why your views matter

Our town centres and streets provide facilities and amenities which play a vital role in supporting the needs of our communities and in developing a positive sense of local identity. Ensuring that all members of Scotland’s communities irrespective of age, ability or gender have the ability to access these areas safely and confidently without obstruction is an important part of delivering an inclusive society.

What happens next

After the closing date, the responses will be analysed and any necessary changes or amendments will be applied then discussed with the working group before the final version is published.

Interests

  • Building and Planning
  • Communities and Third Sector
  • Equality, Welfare and Rights
  • Public Sector
  • Main hub