Good

day Mr Blakelock

I have been advised Fitz

Architects are planning to submit an access
statement, which will again attempt to circumnavigate
the requirements of Approved Document M.

The desire for a seafront office is not a justifiable
reason to restrict employment opportunities for
people with ambulatory disabilities.

Could you please explain how building control consent
has been arrived at given the fact that issues
regarding access are still outstanding and under
investigation by the ombudsman. Amended plans are
still pending consideration; therefore can you please
confirm which plans have received building control
consent.

If 13/00249/Ful has received building consent is it
the fact that level access to shop fronts will not be
achieved, as amendments have not changed the plans.

If amendments Ref. No 13/04639/AM1 are still pending
consideration, how can building consent be given?

Fitz Architects informed me they intend to use the
first floor office space for their own business.
Let's say Mr. X an architect who uses a wheelchair
wants to work in the proposed first floor offices.

I ask how a management plan at this development could
competently cater for disabled employees when;

Only 5 car parking spaces exist on this development
all of which have been allocated to the 5 residential
units. There are no car parking spaces available for
office use!!! Where is Mr. X going to park?

The existing path up the hill to the rear of the
development is steep and has steps. This path is not
suitable for wheelchair access, assisted or not.

If Mr. X did make it to the first floor office with

assistance from staff, will the staff remain
available to get him up and down all day whilst he
needs to go to site or wants to go for lunch?

Will the office be constantly manned by suitable
staff while Mr. X is present to assist him evacuate
in the event of an emergency?


I have been raising concerns regarding Fitz
Architects plans for Marine Walk for 9 months. I ask
why Sunderland Council and South Tyneside Council are
conspiring together to allow a new development be
built without access for all. Both councils have been
more than accommodating for anything Fitz Architects
request.

Award winning street lighting changed to suit Fitz
Architects.

Land swapped by Sunderland council without
consideration of value for the benefit of Fitz
Architects.

Footpaths are presently closed without traffic
regulation orders in place but the council turns a
blind eye as it's beneficial for Fitz Architects.

Council officials recommending Fitz Architects to
members of the public.

Other people are now looking and asking questions
about this company and it's relationship with local
councils.

Best practice note, Guide to vertical circulation in
non domestic buildings provides advice as follows;
The aim of the Building Regulations (since 1985) as
well as the supporting Approved Document M is to make
new and altered buildings accessible to all people in
order to help meet the ongoing requirements of The

Equalities Act 2010 for access to buildings, services

and employment.

It is important to take account of other key matters
when considering alternative means of vertical access
to ensure you do not reduce the effectiveness or
ongoing viability of the building or service and also
not create a legally indefensible position for the
designer, building owner or service provider.

These should include:

The ongoing duties and requirements of the The
Equalities Act 2010 and other equality legislation

Loss of, or reduced Public/Government grant funding
for the business or service

Achievement of an Inclusive design and equality
of access to employment and services

Versatility in the current and future uses of the
building

Not restricting employment opportunities for people
with ambulatory disabilities.

Regards Len Lowthwer