Building Regulations

Part M of the Building Regulations has specific requirements for access for disabled people, not only to buildings used by the public, but also some requirements as far as both new and extensions of existing domestic properties are concerned. It is likely that these requirements will be updated from time to time and current advice should be obtained from the Building Inspectors of your local authority when considering new build, material alterations, or extensions to property. Only in exceptional circumstances will a Building Regulations Application be approved if the requirements of Part M are not met.

However, the need to conserve the special characteristics of historic buildings needs to be recognised. In such work the aim should be to improve accessibility where and to the extent that is practically possible, always provided that the work does not prejudice the character of the historic building, or increase the long-term deterioration to the building fabric or fittings. In arriving at an appropriate balance between historic building conservation and accessibility, it would be appropriate to take into account the advice of the local authority’s conservation and access officers, and English Heritage in order to make the building as accessible as possible.

Physical characteristics of a building or extension which still complies with Part M of the Building Regulations in force at the time the building works were carried out are not required to carry out further alterations to comply with newer regulations.

An approved Document has been approved and issued by the Secretary of State for the purpose of providing practical guidance with respect to the requirements of Part M. This provides guidance for some of the more common building situations, but there may be alternative ways of achieving compliance with the requirements. There is no obligation to adopt any particular solution contained in the Approved Document if you prefer to meet the relevant requirement in some other way.