Suitable ground surface

The building regulations set out legal requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction. A series of approved documents provide general guidance about how different aspects of building design and construction can comply with the building regulations.

Approved document M provides guidance for satisfying Part M of the building regulations: Access to and use of buildings, which requires the inclusive provision of ease of access to, and circulation within, buildings, together with requirements for facilities for people with disabilities.

Approved document M, Volume 1: Dwellings (2015 edition incorporating 2016 amendments), defines a ‘suitable ground surface’ as an:

‘External ground surface that is firm, even, smooth enough to be wheeled over, is not covered with loose laid materials such as gravel and shingle, and has a maximum crossfall for 1:40.’

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Access and inclusion in the built environment: policy and guidance.
• Access consultant.
• Accessibility in the built environment.
• Accessible threshold.
• Approach route.
• Approved document M.
• Changing lifestyles.
• Equality Act.
• Inclusive design.
• Localised obstruction.
• Lifetime homes.
• People with disabilities.
• Point of access.