Walking distance
Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018. Defines waking distance as:
- Urban: 650m via safe pedestrian routes. This should be measured via the route and not ‘as the crow flies’ from the main entrance of the home (communal entrance of the building for an apartment block) to the amenity.
- Rural: 1300m via safe pedestrian routes. This should be measured via the route and not ‘as the crow flies’ from the main entrance of the home (communal entrance of the building for an apartment block) to the amenity.
Where safe pedestrian routes take into account the physical limitations of those who may use them, for example providing steps appropriately supported by sloped access and dropped curbs positioned at crossing points. These routes and associated spaces are appropriately sized, with good visibility of the route ahead.
For more information see: Safe pedestrian route.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Accessible.
- Access consultant.
- Accessibility in the built environment.
- Approved document M.
- Changing lifestyles in the built environment.
- Close proximity.
- Designing for pedestrians.
- Lifetime homes.
- Neighbour.
- Pedestrian shed.
- People with disabilities.
- Ramp.
- Safe pedestrian route.
- Step free.
- Walkability.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.

















