FOI: Access Officers

Dear Michael,

Thank you for your information request, received on the 31 August 2023.

Reference 7088 has been applied to your request which will be looked into
and a response provided within 20 full working days.

Please note we have replied to the email the request came from as we do
not currently have a system that allows us to track multiple recipients.

If you would like us to use the alternate contact you have provide in your
request instead please let us know and we will update our records. 

Should you have any queries in the meantime, please contact the Freedom of
Information Team at [1][Braintree District Council request email]

Kind regards,

Victoria Alexander

Performance & Information Officer

Braintree District Council | Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, CM7
9HB

 01376 552525| [2]www.braintree.gov.uk

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[Braintree District Council request email]
2. http://www.braintree.gov.uk/

Dear Michael ,

I am writing regarding your information request received by Braintree
District Council on the 31/08/2023, case reference 7088.

Your request for information has been processed under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA). The Act enables access to information held by the
Council, subject to exemptions contained within the Act. The Act does not
require the Council to create information to respond to a request if the
requested information is not held, nor to give an opinion or comment.

Please find our response to your request below:

Dear Braintree District Council,

Please provide information on whether or not you employ an access
officer(s).

Notes: They do not need to have the specific job title of access officer
for you to respond affirmatively. The role may be defined as having
responsibility for any one or all of the following and may be split
between more than one person;

• respond to requests, comments and complaints from all concerned with
disability access

• prepare adaptation programmes, including budgets, and monitor progress

• carry out surveys, feasibility studies, drawings, specifications,
contract documentations and supervise their implementation

• give advice on all access design issues: transport, pavements, damaged
kerbs, road crossings, highways schemes, traffic calming, parking and
street furniture.

• assist in the development of appropriate access plan policies and design
guidance, primarily through implementing supplementary planning guidance

• provide technical consultation and interpretation on applications that
justify detailed input and provide guidance to development control
officers on when to consult

• be available for pre-application consultations on larger applications.

• co-ordinate the consultation process with statutory consultees, such as
English Heritage, Building Control and the Statutory Highway Authority

• co-ordinate and manage the Council's training programme for new and
existing officers, in particular in development control

• liaise with neighbouring authorities and national bodies

• establish a local access group where one does not exist, encourage and
support the local access group and ensure that disabled people and other
appropriate voluntary groups are effectively involved in the planning
process.

Servicing regular planning application consultation meetings and providing
accessible transport and meeting rooms can be supportive

If an employee(s) is responsible for the above, please respond and clarify
which responsibilities or similar responsibilities they hold.

Nil. There is no specific officer or role allocated to these functions. 

Assistance is the responsibility of all officers and should be picked up
as part of any application or enquiry process. The Councils Environmental
Health Service operates the Disabled Facility Grant function within the
Council which includes several functions identified above, but they are
specific to an individual who has been assessed for need by an
Occupational Therapist. Staff training falls under our OD&L service, who
promote and provide access to Equality Diversity and Inclusion

training.  

Please be aware that Braintree District Council is not the responsible
body for Highways, but we would provide feedback on any appropriate
consultation processes. Matters around Highways falls under Essex
Highways, therefore this information may be held by Essex Highways, under
Essex County Council. To send Essex County Council a request for
information please view their website at the following link:

[1]https://www.essex.gov.uk/request-informa...

Right of internal review: If you are dissatisfied with the handling of
your request please contact us in writing, within 40 days of the receipt
of a full response, at: Emma Wisbey Governance and Member Manager,
Braintree District Council, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, Essex,
CM7 9HB. Or e-mail: [2][Braintree District Council request email]

Right to appeal: Should you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of any
internal review, you have a right of appeal under S50 of the Freedom of
Information Act to appeal against the decision by contacting the
Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5AF. Or
e-mail: [3][email address]

Kind regards,

Victoria Alexander

Performance & Information Officer

Braintree District Council | Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, CM7
9HB

 01376 552525| www.braintree.gov.uk

References

Visible links
1. https://www.essex.gov.uk/request-informa...
2. mailto:[Braintree District Council request email]
3. mailto:[email address]