Planning discriminates against women, report says

Ben Lee, PlanningResource, 29 August 2008

Women are disadvantaged because community layouts don’t take account of the ways they use public space, compared with men, Cambridge University’s centre for housing and planning research says.

Women's employment prospects can be limited because schools and shops are not within easy reach of jobs, it continues.

Residential areas are also separated from where women work.

Whereas men often make a simple return journey to and from home, the report says, women often combine the commute with a visit to a school or the shops.

The report also notes that since April 2007 authorities have had a gender equality duty - which asks planners to promote gender equality and remove gender discrimination. The report suggests few local councils have got to grips with the law.

"Gender is still a relatively 'new' consideration for planners and local authorities," said Cambridge University’s Dr Gemma Burgess. "There is still a long way to go before the real potential for change afforded by the Gender Equality Duty will be realised."


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ben.lee@haymarket.com