CELG(4) HIS 31
Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee
Inquiry into the Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Policy
Response from Cliff Croft
I am providing comments for this Inquiry as an individual ambulant disabled octogenarian who has been heavily involved for many years campaigning for and advising on equality and suitability of access in the Built environment and to services for disabled people, whether disabled due to impairments, age, or supporting others who may be in need of assistance.
For this reason, I am a member of several local Disability
Organisations and Older people’s organisations, and represent
them on some wider Forums.
I am not conversant with the Welsh Government Historic Environment policy, but make comment on the basis of my awareness of accessibility and usability of Historic and Listed Venues.
From my observation of historic buildings and open spaces, there
have been some obvious and other less noticeable alterations made
at most venues in order to meet the needs of the users of the day
and date. Doors and windows have been added or blocked off in most
historic buildings and spaces. At other venues new Paths and roads
have been provided.
It is my opinion that changes should continue to be made to working
buildings where necessary to allow universal access and enjoyment
of listed Buildings.
Modern photography and digitisation makes the recording of existing
usage very easy and factual.
During the last thirty years we have seen a momentous change in the
freedom and mobility of Disabled and Older people. Disabled people
are going places and doing things previously undreamed of; but
there is still a long way to go. There are still many restrictions
on access to a variety of premises.
Successive Governments have made small changes to the Laws and
Regulations e.g. The Equality act 2010, that have required
developers and Service Providers to make suitable provision for
Disabled people. Unfortunately rules governing our Heritage/Listed
Buildings and Environment have not properly required that
controllers of these buildings etc make the necessary changes that
would enable Disabled people to enjoy and understand our Heritage
in the manner afforded to others.
Listed Working Buildings, e.g. Hotels and Public Buildings, are
often inaccessible or very difficult to access, thereby preventing
or discouraging use by disabled people and their carers. These may
be local residents or Tourists.
CADW Access Policy states The aim in dealing with adaptations as part of the statutory planning process should be to seek solutions to overcome barriers in a positive way.
This policy has not been applied in an even manner; some Heritage/listed venues are very accessible whereas there are others where CADW have not permitted even slight changes that would allow disabled people to enjoy the venue. e.g Refusal to allow alteration to a section of a Balustrade on a Band Stand to form a gate, to make access by platform lift possible; also refusal to allow introduction of handrails on the steps of the Bandstand. These minor changes would allow disabled artists to take part in performances. Modern photography makes the recording of existing appearance very easy and factual.
Many of our Heritage buildings have shown changes have taken place for operational reasons during their lifetime and it is my opinion that changes should continue to be made to working buildings where necessary to allow universal access and to demonstrate the historic manner in which life of disabled people is changing for the better.
Refusal to permit reasonable alteration to the access of a building
is a barrier to change and stands in the way of future Social
history.
Questionnaire Responses
How appropriate and successful are the current systems employed by the Welsh Government for protecting and managing the historic environment in Wales
The present system over protects some aspects of the
Historic/Listed Environment, by discouraging or failing to allow
accessibility alterations to premises and places that demonstrate
that we are living in a changing world. History is being
made.
There is need for improved guidance on how to make our
Historic/listed venues more inclusive and accessible to all,
without destroying the Architectural theme of the
venue..
How well do the Welsh Government’s policies promote the historic environment in Wales (for instance, in terms of interpretation, accessibility, attracting new audiences and tourism)?
Most Historic attractions that I have visited have been reasonably accessible to most people; some need audio description facilities. Sometimes we find pebble or gravel paths around Historic ruins, these are most difficult for ambulant disabled people, impossible for wheelchairs, and should be replaced by firm surfaces.
There are listed Public Buildings and Hotels that are either very difficult or impossible for me and other disabled people to access. The controllers of these building should be encouraged to make alterations allowing them to come as near to BS8300-2009 standards as possible.
It must be remembered that if facilities are provided allowing
disabled people to move above or below the entrance floor level,
facilities and organisation must be in place for the emergency
evacuation of people who are unable to use stairs.
Over 20% of the population has a disability and a large percentage
of them have a carer. If Listed Buildings and other historic venues
were made fully accessible, disabled people and their carers would
be encouraged to visit them as tourists.