The Merseyside Code of Practice is an advisory best practice guide to permit the inclusion of everyone in the planned and designed environment. The standards set out in the COP were brought together, and adopted as supplementary planning guidance, by the five Merseyside District Councils and Merseytravel. The Merseyside local Authorities expect developers to take account of the Code's recommendations when preparing schemes, which need statutory approval, to ensure that anyone can access the streets, shops, offices etc. when they are complete.