Public consultation is a key element of the planning system, and is an excellent opportunity to get involved. Your group may like to consider the following tips:

• Ask to be put on the mailing list to receive the weekly list of planning applications, and then assess which applications have access implications.

• Ask to see any accompanying plans and drawings for these applications. This may involve visiting the planning office.

• Be prepared to act quickly. Local planning authorities aim to deal with applications within eight weeks of receipt and the public are usually only given two weeks to make any comment.

• Write to the planning authority if your group has any particular views on an application. Sometimes, writing directly to the applicant is the most appropriate method. This may encourage the applicant to undertake access improvements which cannot be regulated by the planning or building control system.

• Get a copy of the Planning Committee’s agenda to make sure the access issues you have raised in your letters and meetings have been dealt with.

• Enlist the support of the Access Officer in your area (if there is one), and establish a way of exchanging information on planning applications and development plan policies. Alternatively, contact the Development Control Officer.

• Invite a Planning Officer to your group’s meetings. This will help ensure that your local planning authority will be more aware of disabled people concerns regarding the built environment.