Inclusive design
Liverpool is aiming to be a city where everyone —including disabled and older people — can easily live, work, and visit. We are encouraging developers and applicants to design buildings and spaces that are safe, easy to use, flexible and adaptable.
This page gives developers advice and guidance on designing socially inclusive buildings and spaces that work for everyone.
Local Plan 2013-2033
The Local Plan is a long-term vision to guide future development in the city over the next 15 to 20 years. It focuses on:
- the quality and location of new homes
- employment provision
- shops, facilities and other services
- transport and other infrastructure
- climate change mitigation and adaption
- conservation and enhancement of the natural and historic environment.
There are two specific policies in the Local Plan which aim to improve accessibility in Liverpool:
Policy UD4- Inclusive design
This policy says that all development must be easy for everyone to use. It doesn't matter how old you are, your gender, or if you have a physical, sensory or cognitive impairment —the design must be inclusive and meet the highest accessibility standards.
Policy H12 -Accessible housing
This policy makes sure that new homes in Liverpool are high-quality and will meet the changing needs of occupants over time. It sets two specific Building Regulation Part M standards for all new homes:
- Accessible and adaptable: Every new home must meet a standard called M4(2) as a minimum. This means the home is suitable for older and disabled people and can adapt to meet the changing needs of occupants over time.
- Wheelchair user homes: At least 10% of new homes must meet a standard called M4(3). These homes are designed so they can be easily adapted meet the needs of wheelchair users.
Accessibility statements
You must submit an Accessibility Statement (or Inclusive Design Statement) for all new residential projects, including new builds, conversions and change of use.
The statement, which can be part of a detailed Design and Access Statement, must show how your proposals meet the requirements of Policy H12 Accessible Housing.
For new housing, the statement must include:
- annotated plans at scale 1:50 for each unit type showing they are fully accessible and meet the required design criteria.
- the location of each unit type on every floor.
- details of how the proposal meets the requirements of Policy H12 Accessible Housing.
For conversions and change of use, and in addition to the above, the statement must:
- explain any constraints if the proposal cannot fully meet the required standards.
For other accommodation, such as student accommodation, hotels and serviced apartments etc, the statement must:
- explain how your proposal complies with British Standard 8300 (2018) or other recognised best practice design guidance.
- include annotated plans at scale 1:50 for each unit type showing they are fully accessible and meet the relevant design criteria.
- show the location of all accessible rooms and shared facilities, such as accessible toilets.
Legislative and design guidance
Liverpool guidance
Liverpool Local Plan 2013–2033 - Policy UD4 Inclusive Design and Policy H12 Accessible Housing
Draft Liverpool Local Plan 2025-2041 – Policy QD5 Inclusive Design and Policy H12 Accessible Homes
Local Plan supplementary documents and guidance
Pavement licence policy and guidance for bars, cafes, coffee shops
Other websites
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) - Chapter 8 Promoting healthy and safe communities and Chapter 12 Achieving well-designed places.
Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings, Volume 1 Dwellings
Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings, Volume 2 Buildings other than dwellings
British Standard 8300 (2018) Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment – Volume 1 External Environment
British Standard 8300 (2018) Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment - Volume 2 Buildings
Accessible and inclusive sports facilities - Sport England
Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance - GOV.UK