The Inclusive Design Advisory Panel (IDAP)
The Inclusive Design Advisory Panel (IDAP),
which meets monthly, was founded by the City Council and Leicestershire Centre
for Integrated living in 2006, primarily in response to the rapid regeneration
of the city centre.
IDAP provides
the Council with clear and timely advice on Inclusive Design matters - a broad
definition of which is "making places which everybody can use, easily,
safely and with dignity". The Panel's work includes encouraging best
practice in line with Council's Inclusive Design Action Programme, and the
city's Core Strategy (our key land use planning document), both of which call
for the highest standards of access and inclusion.
IDAP is
chaired by Cllr Newcombe, who is a leading councillor in the Council's overview
and scrutiny work. It is primarily made up of council officers representing key
disciplines (access, design, planning and highways/ transportation), and
includes Eric Day of Leicester Centre for Integrated Living as external
advisor.
IDAP's role
complements (but should not be confused with) that of the Leicester Disabled
People's Access Group (LDPAG). Although LDPAG works closely with the council on
access matters, it is an independent organisation representing disabled people,
and is not a specialist advisory panel.
IDAP's recent
work
Over the last
year or so IDAP has continued to play a valuable role in positively influencing
a range of projects and programmes. These include:
- Strategic
initiatives, e.g the Local Transport Plan,
- City Centre
developments, e.g Granby Street Gateway and the proposals for Humberstone Gate
East and bus stops
- Specific City
Council building developments, e.g Gilroes Crematorium, school extension
project;
- Private
sector schemes e.g the Victoria Park medical centre, and train station
improvements.
It has also
been an important source of information on new legislation (including the
Equality Act and Localism Bill), standards, guidance and research.
Taking IDAP
forward
The Panel is
well placed to support delivery of the City Mayor's manifesto commitments, and
respond to his administration’s eight "themes":
- An
accountable, democratic and strong Council
- Leicester -
place to do business
- A low carbon
city
- Our
neighbourhoods and communities – people, culture and leisure
- Getting about
in Leicester
- A healthy and
active city
- Our children
& young people
- The built and
natural environment around us in Leicester.
Improving the
quality of the built and natural environment, improving local neighbourhoods,
and ensuring Leicester becomes a place where people can get around easily are
particular priorities where the Panel's input can make a real difference.
Further information
For more
information about IDAP please contact the Council's Disabled People's Access Officer: Telephone (0116)
252 7290; Email planning@leicester.gov.uk.
