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 and news
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.
Essential tools in managing historically significant landscapes.
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.