Wheelchair accessible
Approved document M, Volume 1: Dwellings (2015 edition incorporating 2016 amendments), defines a ‘suitable tread nosing’as; ‘Nosings that conform with one of the options shown in diagram 1.2 of approved document K’
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 ‘wheelchair accessible’ as a:
‘Category 3 dwelling constructed to be suitable for immediate occupation by a wheelchair user where the planning authority specifies that optional requirement M4(3)(2)(a) applies.’
Category 3 is achieved when a new dwelling provides reasonable provisions for a wheelchair user to live in the dwelling and have the ability to use any outdoor space, parking and communal facilities.
NB A ‘wheelchair adaptable’ building is a; ‘Category 3 dwelling constructed with the potential to be adapted for occupation by a wheelchair user where optional requirement M4(3)(2)(a) applies.’
[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.
- Types of dwelling in approved document m.
- Wheelchair adaptable.
- Wheelchair user.
Featured articles and news
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?