Planning town and country

Accessible Environments

According to the 2001 census, there are some 23,000 people with 'limiting long term illness' who live and work in the Borough. In addition to these, a significant number of disabled people visit the town, bringing friends and relatives, to shop and enjoy the town's many other facilities. It is recognised that disabled people make a considerable contribution to Bedford's commerce, trade, cultural life, and voluntary services.

An accessible built environment benefits everyone - whether a person is a wheelchair-user, has a sensory impairment, is elderly, or simply is a parent with a child in a pushchair.

Over the past few years, the Borough Council has achieved much to promote and improve the accessibility of the town's services and facilities - in terms of removing both physical and attitudinal barriers.

the town centre pedestrian area has created a safer and more user-friendly environment for everyone
the Bedford Shopmobility service provides a free scooter and wheelchair loan service to elderly and disabled shoppers

Disability Access Shopmobility Leaflet. ( 232 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

the Door-to-Door service and the town's wheelchair-accessible taxis enable disabled people to use special transport to visit the town centre for shopping or using other facilities

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis.( 12 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

the free Access to Bedford guides provide information to disabled visitors on matters such as car parking, transport, accommodation and places of interest

Disability Access Car Parking and Toilet Facilities Leaflet.( 146 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

Disability Access Transport Leaflet.( 64 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

Disability Access Accommodation Leaflet.( 64 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

Disability Access Eating Out Leaflet.( 27 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

Disability Access to Places of Interest. ( 78 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

Disability Access to Sports.( 27 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

physical access to out-of-town shopping parades has been improved

Disability Access Shopping Leaflet. ( 26 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

access to the Council's 37 public buildings has been reviewed and a programme of improvements is being implemented
The Borough Council adopted a 'Planning for People with Disabilities' policy

'Planning for People with Disabilities' policy ( 25 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

the Council uses its Local Plan policies to improve access to new developments and further information is included in the Mobility Housing supplementary planning guidance.

Mobility Housing Planning Guidance.( 998 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

The Access Improvement Grant scheme has given generous financial assistance to proprietors of small shops and other service providers in the private sector to encourage improved physical access.

Access Improvement Grant Application Form - DOWNLOAD

Access Improvement Grant Application Notes ( 16 KB ) - DOWNLOAD)

Further information is available from the Council’s Access Officer – Stuart O'Dell
E mail: sodell@bedford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01234 221762 or 01234 267422 (ext. 2762)

SERVICES A-Z

Planning Services
Access Officer
Tree Preservation Order
Planning Applications