Access to buildings

Ensuring that all new buildings can be fully and easily used by all sections of the community is an important aspect of the Building Regulations. One of the requirements of the regulations is that "reasonable provision shall be made to enable disabled people to gain access to relevant premises".

The regulations require:

• Access to buildings and into buildings
• Ramped and stepped approach
• Hazards on access routes
• Entrance doors 
• Internal lobbies and corridors
• Lifts and stairlifts 
• Internal stairways 
• Hotel and motel bedrooms
• Aids to communication
• Sanitary conveniences
• Seating 
• The provision of tactile surfaces

Means of access to and into dwellings

Accessibility By Design is a guide to the 2004 edition of Approved Document M. Access to and use of buildings, in terms of good building design. It does not cover everything or have all the answers, but it embraces the main design considerations. Prepared by building control surveyors, it is hoped to offer a practical introduction to the regulations and provide a basic understanding of what accessibility means.

You should also be aware of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which requires reasonable access and facilities to certain types of existing premises.

Suitable access should be provided from the edge of the site or disabled car spaces should be provided close to the entrance of the building. Ramped or level access should be provided to the main entrances. Details of suitable designs are given. Consideration must be given to projections which are hazardous to those with sight impairments. There are requirements for doors, widths and entrance lobbies. Suitable dimensions and design considerations are given. Details of requirements, locations, dimensions and provisions for sight impaired and hard of hearing people are illustrated. Dimensions of internal stairways must be suitable for the ambulant disabled. Suitable layouts and dimensions are illustrated. Requirements for induction loops in booking halls, ticket offices reception areas and auditoria. Details and dimensions are given of W.C. compartments suitable for wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people. Provision of audience and spectator seating for wheelchair users. These should be provided at the head of stairs and near changes in level to provide a warning to people with sight impairment.

Access Statements

An Access Statement should be submitted at the planning stage for all non-residential building works and developed for submission with the Building Control application.

Planning Access Statement

Building Control Access Statements