Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the capacity of planning legislation to allow for the assessment of (1) the potential increase of mobility scooter use, and (2) any increase in risk to users of mobility scooters and others arising out of that increase, due to the building of care properties.
The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that applications for development should address the needs of people with disabilities and reduced mobility in relation to all modes of transport, and that developments should create places that are safe, inclusive and accessible. These policies should ensure that when considering planning applications, such as the building of care properties, local authorities take account of the needs of all users, including users of mobility scooters, and satisfy their obligations under the equalities legislation.
The department's officials have been working closely with officials at DfT to produce planning practice guidance on sustainable transport and accessibility which will be published shortly, and will sit alongside the National Design Guide which provides guidance on designing movement networks that are safe and accessible for all.