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.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Wheelchair user.
Featured articles and news
Pivoting infrastructure technology stands up to the test of time.
Report on the construction sector in Ireland
TASC/CIOB study looks at post-pandemic struggles and trends.
Revised targets for Carbon Budget 6
The Government announces recalibrated goals.
ECA proposes strategies for the present and the future.
Paul Morrell to lead independent review of the construction products testing regime.
Standard will help employers foster wellbeing and manage psychosocial risks.
The United Nations has approved the IFSS common principles
Global fire standards for safety of people and property.
An introduction to the 5 core principles of lean.
Civil engineers and environmental methods of construction
Can the profession use its skills to save the world from climate change?
How faulty science resulted in sanitation reform.
Conserving the Hilda Besse Building
Improving facilities, accessibility and overall appearance.
BSRIA IAQ topic guide published
Free download of TG 12/2021 available.
Electrotechincal mentors wanted
TESP works with The Youth Group to form skill sharing network.
OpenBuilt supply chain technology in development
Big tech collaborates on platform for the built environment.
Receive the Designing Buildings newsletter
Click the button to subscribe.