Wheelchair adaptable

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 adaptable’ as 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.’

Where 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 accessible’ dwelling is 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.’

[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.