Access Design Guide For Residential Buildings - David Bonnet Associates - Draft PDF

Access design guide 01 | Residential buildings
April 2012
Draft
14.06.12 Issued to S333 and Fielden
Clegg Bradley for Chobham Manor
team. Draft - do not circulate, but do let
me know of any comments or
questions. Thank you. Rachael.
DAVID BONNETT ASSOCIATES
access consultancy research and design

www.davidbonnett.co.uk info@davidbonnett.co.uk
tel 020 7275 0065
Internal use: document information

File name:120116 DBA Residential Design Guide 04
File location: DBA Files:DBA DESIGN GUIDES:RESIDENTIAL:DESIGN GUIDE IN PROGRESS:120420 DBA Residential Design Guide 04 Folder:120116 DBA Residential Design Guide 04
April 2012
This design guidance document is periodically revised by

David Bonnett Associates in line with changes to regulations
and standards regarding inclusive design.
Date
21.04.08
14.05.08
02.10.08
Revision
00
01
02
13.01.12
03
Summary of revision
Illustrations and credits added
Updated to include Code for
Sustainable Homes references and
latest access advice
Updated to include latest DBA
access advice, BS 8300:2009 and
Lifetime Homes standards, July 2010.
Reformatted to present guidance
for All dwellings and wheelchair
adaptable dwellings.
04
April 2012
April 2012
Contents
1.0 Introduction
3.0 Building approach and car parking
5.0 Dwelling layouts
1.1
Homes for people
3.1
Access routes
5.1 The London Plan and other local authority policies
1.2
Purpose of this guide
3.2
Car parking provision - all dwellings
5.2
1.3
Background
3.3 Car park provision - wheelchair accessible dwellings
5.3 SPG Implementation Point 13: Wheelchair Housing
1.4
Using the guide
3.4 Accessible car parking in high-density developments
5.4
Context
3.5
5.5
Standards
3.6 Wheelchair accessible dwellings on individual plots
5.6
Entrance doors - all dwellings
3.7
5.7
Entrance doors -wheelchair accessible dwellings
All dwellings
5.8
Internal doors - all dwellings
3.8
5.9
Internal doors - wheelchair accessible dwellings
2.0 The standards and regulations

2.1 Approved Document Part M Access to and Use of
Buildings
2.2
Approved Document Part B - Fire Safety
2.3
Lifetime Homes standards
2.4
Revised Lifetime Homes Criteria (July 2010)
2.5
Wheelchair Housing standards
All dwellings on individual plots

Flats with shared external entrances
Mobility scooter parking
5.10 Circulation space - all dwellings
4.0 Common parts

4.1
Blocks of flats
4.1
Corridors and doors
4.2
Common stairs
2.7 BS 9266:2011 Design of Accessible and Adaptable

General Needs Housing Code of Practice
4.3
Lifts
4.4
Means of escape
2.8
Local Authority policy
4.5
Waste
2.9
Equality Act 2010
2.6 BS 8300:2009 Design of Buildings and their

Approaches to Meet the Needs of Disabled People Code of Practice
5.11
Living rooms and other living spaces
5.12 Dwellings with more than one storey

5.13 Part M WC provision - all dwellings
5.14 Bathrooms and WC walls - all dwellings
5.15 WC and bathroom layout - all dwellings
5.16 Lifetime Homes standard bathroom layout
5.0
Dwelling layouts

5.0
2.10 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended 2005)

2.11
SPG Implementation Point 12: Lifetime Homes
Dwelling layouts
5.18 Bathroom layout (Wheelchair Housing standards
Emerging standards
5.0
2.15 Information required for residential layout reviews
Dwelling layouts
5.19 Bathroom layout (Wheelchair Housing standards)

5.20 Bedrooms
5.21 Kitchen
5.22 Window specifications - all dwellings
5.23 Fixtures and fittings - all dwellings
5.24 Storage
5.25 Balconies and terraces
April 2012
Appendices
Appendix 1 | Lifetime Homes standards pre-November 2010
Appendix 2 | Lifetime Homes standards post-November 2010
Appendices to add: Consultation guidance, Criteria for

inclusive design
Appendix 3 | Wheelchair accessible homes

Appendix 4 | References
April 2012
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Homes for people
The most successful residential design projects provide
for their residents needs by supporting their lifestyles
and circumstances. The impact of poor housing design
affects local communities and wider society and so good
design benefits everybody.
1.2 Purpose of this guide

avid Bonnett Associates (DBA) has worked on many
D
residential projects and provided a great deal of advice
and interpretation on a project-by-project basis. This
guide was originally developed to present the access
standards and regulations so that they can be easily
cross-referenced, alongside DBAs guidance for
achieving the standards where interpretation is required.
1.3 Background
This revision of the guide does not repeat all of the
standards that may be relevant to a residential project,
but states DBA guidance for achieving them and alerts
designers to possible conflicts.
The most significant revision since the last issue of the
guide is greater clarity about the features that should
be included in all new homes that are expected to meet
the Lifetime Homes standards and additional features
that ensure ease of adaptation to meet the needs of a
wheelchair user (wheelchair accessible homes).
The concerns of this guide are twofold. First that new

dwellings should be suitable for all residents, including
those with disabilities. Second, that the principles of
inclusive design are incorporated into new developments
from the outset, despite the variations in interpretation
and application of standards by different local authorities
Large building projects in London are subject to the
guidelines of the London Plan (2008), in which the
Greater London Authority (GLA) sets out over-arching
principles for all aspects of developments in London. As
most of the residential projects that DBA works on are in
London, the London Plan guidance is used as a basis for
this document.
Pre-planning DBA is pro-active, postplanning reactive.
Guidance that applies to

all dwellings
Guidance that applies to
wheelchair accessible
dwellings
Example page to be updated before next

issue.
Additional guidance
Example page
April 2012
1:1
1.4 Using the guide

esign and Access statements are now required to
D
support most applications for planning approval.
DBAs Access Statements normally follow a sequential
journey or route through a building, beginning with the
public realm (where applicable), approach, arrival by car
or public transport, circulation and use of the building,
and concluding with means of escape. The journey is
divided into two main sections; firstly Residential Units
and secondly Common Areas. These two sections are
subdivided into Building Approach and Car Parking, and
Common Parts, with Unit Layouts as the concluding part
of the residential section.
Each of the sections is individually colour-coded for easy
reference and subdivided into individual features. For
example Doorways and Hallways, Living Room and WC
Provision are subdivisions of the Unit Layouts section.
Text in italics is quoted directly from the relevant
publication. Plain text means DBA has paraphrased the
standard or regulation for the sake of brevity. Relevant
illustrations or diagrams are included, and the DBA
Guidance notes appear in highlighted boxes. See the
example on this page.
he DBA Guidance also identifies innovative products
T
and ideas related to residential access standards and
regulations.
April 2012
1:2
2.0 The standards and regulations
2.1 Approved Document Part M Access to and

Use of Buildings
Meeting Part M (2004) of the Building Regulations is
a requirement for all developments. Sections six to
ten apply to the residential parts of a development.
Some residential developments also feature facilities
available to the public, (a gym or cinema, for example)
in which case sections one to five are applicable.
2.2 Approved Document Part B - Fire Safety

pproved Document B (2006) includes guidance
A
on means of escape for disabled people. Relevant
sections are included where applicable. Fire safety for
dwellinghouses is covered by Volume 1 of Part B, but
escape from flats is covered by section two of Volume
2.
2.3 Lifetime Homes standards

wellings designed to the Lifetime Homes standards
D
are for general needs, not special needs, and have
built-in flexibility to accommodate various access
features that could be enable a household to remain
where they live rather than move.
Lifetime Homes standards were originally developed
in the early 1990s. The Code for Sustainable Homes
(CfSH) has awarded four credits for developments
that incorporate all 16 standards since March 2007
but the standards are still only mandatory for Level
6, which is the highest possible code-rating. The
majority of residential projects that DBA is involved
with aim to achieve the credits for the Lifetime Homes
standards as part of their code rating as this usually
ensures that local authority access requirements for
general housing are met. However, please be aware
that some local authorities access standards are more
onerous than the CfSH version of the Lifetime Homes
standards.
The Lifetime Homes standards are also referred to
in The London Plan (2008) by the Greater London
Authority (GLA), and have been required for all new
dwellings in London, including refurbishments, since
2004. (Policy HA.5)
April 2012
2:1
2.4 Revised Lifetime Homes Criteria (July 2010)

DBA developed its own guidance for meeting the
Lifetime Homes standards before the standards were
included in the CfSH, and therefore also before the
BRE started to refer code assessors and architects to
Habinteg Housing Association for further guidance.
We have continued to advise on the basis of our own
guidance and have always succeeded in getting the
Lifetime Homes credits awarded. Larger residential
projects where this is the case include the Olympic
Athletes Village, Barrier Park East and St Andrews
Hospital site.
The revised Lifetime Homes standards (July 2010) are
included in the main text of the guide because they are
referred to by the current Code for Sustainable Homes
Technical Guide.
2.5 Wheelchair Housing standards

he London Plan refers to the Wheelchair Housing
T
Design Guide (2006) and recommends that boroughs
seek to ensure that ten per cent of new homes are
designed to meet Wheelchair Housing standards or be
capable of being easily adapted to meet the needs of
a wheelchair user. However individual boroughs may
specify a higher proportion and / or different standards
to suit the needs of the local population.
lthough the 2006 revision of the Wheelchair Housing
A
Design Guide does feature some consideration
of high-density developments, the standards are
still based on the idea of wheelchair users living
in individual houses. Therefore the standards
need careful interpretation, especially regarding
market wheelchair accessible units in high density
developments. Please refer to the GLAs Best Practice
Guidance on Wheelchair Accessible Housing (2007)
for more information.
2.6 BS 8300:2009 Design of Buildings and their

Approaches to Meet the Needs of Disabled
People - Code of Practice
The new edition of BS 8300 applies mainly to the
common parts of multi-occupancy buildings, as stated
Section 1g (page 2), whereas the previous (2001)
edition applied to dwellings and buildings other than
dwellings.
The present edition of BS 8300 no longer gives
guidance on individual dwellings, which are now
covered in DD [Draft for Development] 266. However
some of the recommendations given in BS 8300
could be used to supplement guidance on the design
of dwellings where appropriate. (BS 8300:2009.
Foreword, page viii).
April 2012
2:2
2.7 BS 9266:2011 Design of Accessible and

Adaptable General Needs Housing Code of
Practice
DD 266 (mentioned above) is now a draft British
Standard about accessible housing and is due for final
publication by the end of 2011. The guidance builds
on the concept of the Lifetime Homes standards. The
guidance contained in the document and its title are
subject to changes prior to final publication.
2.8 Local Authority policy

he relevant local authority policies, usually in the form
T
of Unitary Development Plans or Local Development
Frameworks and associated Supplementary Planning
Guidance/Notes should be consulted at the beginning
of a project. Many local authorities have adapted the
Lifetime Homes, Wheelchair Housing standards and
other access standards to suit the needs of their local
populations.
2.9 Equality Act 2010

The majority of the The Equality Act 2010 came into
force on October 1, 2010. The Act replaced various,
separate anti-discrimination laws, including the Disability
Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA) and subsequent
amendments. Disability is one of nine protected
characteristics defined by Part 2 of the Act. Definitions of
discrimination are also described.
Service providers and employers will have ongoing
duties, similar to those in the DDA, under the Equality
Act. These duties might include removing physical
barriers to disabled people, provision of aids and
equipment and ensuring management policies and
practices do not discriminate against disabled people.
The Act does not contain any specific requirements for
the built environment and therefore has no relevance to
compliance in respect of physical building standards.
2.10 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended

2005)
The developers or others may have ongoing obligations
under the Disability Discrimination Act as landlords and
may also have obligations as service providers where
they are providing services to the public. In the main, the
Act applies more to issues of services and information
rather than building design. Please note that the
Disability Discrimination Act was largely superceded by
the Equality Act in 2010. Parts of the DDA are yet to be
incorporated into the Equality Act (correct at 24.03.11).
April 2012
2.11 London Housing Design Guide (Interim Edition),

London Development Agency, 2010
The Guide aims to bring together all current guidance
about designing new homes in London as a set of
minimum criteria and reintroduced minimum space
standards for new London homes for the first time since
the abolition of the Parker Morris standards in 1980.
The design criteria of the London Housing Design Guide
has been applicable to all London Development Agency
projects since its publication, and new schemes that have
applied for Homes and Communities Agency funding
from April 2011.
2.12 The London Plan Spatial Development Strategy

for Greater London, Mayor of London, 2011.
Accessible London Achieving an Inclusive
Environment, (2004)
This London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance
(SPG) outlines an approach for delivering and
implementing inclusive access. It includes principles,
policies and processes for achieving inclusive design in
London.
2.13 Mayor of Londons Best Practice Guidance on

Wheelchair Accessible Housing (2007).
The London Housing Design Guide (see above) features
a summary of the requirements that should be in
evidence for adaptable wheelchair accessible housing in
London at planning stage. More detailed guidance on this
subject is given in the Best Practice Guidance document.
2:3
2.14 Emerging guidance: BS: 9266

Rachael is currently on the drafting panel for the new
British Standard (BS 9266), which will describe good
practice guidance for achieving adaptable general needs
housing.
The standard is largely based on the revised Lifetime
Homes standards (2010) but is separate to them.
April 2012
2:4
2.15 Information required for residential layout reviews
Was the scheme registered for Code for Sustainable

Homes assessment before November 2010?
he following information should be indicated on

T
drawings to establish whether a dwelling meets the
access standards and regulations.
eneral Arrangement drawings are not generally suitable
G
for the assessment of individual dwelling types. These
should be at a scale of at least 1:100 (1:50 preferred), in
PDF at A3 size, or as hard copies, with the dimensions
and features listed on the right of this page indicated.
BAs terms of appointment usually specifies the number
D
of typical residential layouts that we will review as part of
the appointment.
Please note that this list is not a summary of any of the
standards or regulations.
Will the 4 credits for meeting the LTH standards

(section Hea 4) be part of the code rating?
Approach and communal parts of building
radient and length of any ramped or sloped

G
approaches to entrances.
etails of car parking including accessible car

D
parking spaces.
imensions for communal stairs and lifts

D
(although note that a dwelling can still meet
Lifetime Homes standards if it is only reached by
communal stairs).
Internal dimensions of communal lifts.
External lighting and shelter.
ll clear opening widths of doors and widths of

A
corridors.
lear space to the side of the leading edge of

C
doors to be indicated as appropriate.
Clear width of stairs
Dwellings on more than one level

Indicate space for temporary bed on ground
floor.
rainage for future shower to be indicated in

D
entrance level WC if no shower is provided
elsewhere (such as in en-suite)
Position for through-the-floor lift.
April 2012
2:5
3.0 Building approach and car

parking
Contents pages to be updated throughout.
To add: Valet parking, car lifts, taxi settingdown etc.
3.1
Access routes
3.2
Car parking provision - all dwellings
3.3 Car park provision - wheelchair

accessible dwellings
3.4 Accessible car parking in high-density
developments
3.5
All dwellings on individual plots
3.6 Wheelchair accessible dwellings on

individual plots
3.7
Flats with shared external entrances
All dwellings
3.8
Mobility scooter parking
April 2012
3:1
3.0 Building approaches and car parking

3.1 Access routes
Building approaches refer to all external routes between
the plot boundary and building entrances and all
associated car parking.
Pedestrian access routes (PARs) are defined as the most
direct and convenient pedestrian routes linking key parts
of the development. They are designed to be inclusive
and have access features such as gentle gradients,
suitable surfaces and rest points. PARs are indicated in
yellow on DBAs access overlays.
Pedestrian access routes shall be designed to meet the
following criteria:
Gradient should ideally be 1:60 or less

Any gradient on a pedestrian route of between 1:60
and 1:20 requires a level landing for every 500mm
rise.
Sufficient drainage on pedestrian routes.
To be changed for a better example that

includes external approaches and car
parking.
Step-free
W
ide enough to accommodate anticipated flow of
pedestrians, including people using mobility scooters,
wheelchairs, sticks or pushchairs.
2000mm is the minimum recommended width to allow
two wheelchair users to pass comfortably, (Inclusive
Mobility), but 1200mm width is sufficient in most
situation, with provision of passing points.
R
outes free of obstacles and barriers such as street
furniture and lighting columns
W
ell-lit (150 lux minimum at entrances to buildings;
refer to Inclusive Mobility for other situations)
Firm, even, non-slip surfaces
Example of DBA access overlay showing locations of
proposed car parking in basement of Kingsgate House,
Victoria Street.
Sheltered if appropriate
Seating at no more than 50 metre intervals, some of
which should have back rest and armrests.
Note how Blue Badge parking bays make use of available

circulation space and are reasonably close to the lift.
(Lynch Architects for Land Securities).
April 2012
3:2

3.2 Car parking provision - all dwellings
1.
Check local policy for parking standards.
2.
If a dwelling has provision for car parking within its own
plot boundary then at least one car parking space should
be capable of enlargement to achieve a minimum width
of 3300mm. A standard 2400mm parking space with an
adjoining 900mm path will provide the additional width
necessary for easier access.
3.
4.
here car parking is provided in a shared facility at least

W
one space of 3300mm x 4800mm should be provided
adjacent to (or close to) each blocks entrance or lift core.
here is no mandatory height requirement for accessible
T
car parking bays. However, provision should be made
for high-top conversion vehicles. BS8300 specifies
that 2600mm clearance is provided for such vehicles
if possible within a covered car parking area. If this
provision is not possible then an accessible parking bay
should be provided on the street in close proximity to the
residential entrance.
5.
pproved Document M states no requirement for

A
accessible parking for disabled people for dwellings. If
the development features facilities other than dwellings
that are open to non-residents (retail, restaurants etc),
local policy may require parking for disabled people
designed according to the provisions of Section 1.18 of
Part M.
6.
ccessible car parking that is provided to meet the

A
Lifetime Homes standard is in addition to accessible car
parking spaces required for a developments wheelchair
accessible homes.
3.3 Car park provision - wheelchair accessible

dwellings
1.
he Wheelchair Housing Design Guide requires one

T
accessible car parking space per wheelchair accessible
dwelling in a development. Any deviation from this must
be agreed with an access / planning officer.
2.
rovide an area of 5400 x 3600mm minimum, and

P
height of 2200mm minimum, with slip resistant, even and
nominally level surface.
3.
eople who buy market properties may be entitled to sell

P
any attached parking, making it difficult to guarantee that
one space per wheelchair accessible dwelling remains
available. Therefore accessible spaces in shared car
parks should be leases rather than sold with individual
properties if possible.
Car parking provided close to the home. A suitably

designed wheelchair accessible space should be provided
for each wheelchair accessible home in a development.
A dropped kerb should always be provided adjacent to

accessible car parking spaces. However a kerb (which is
an obstacle for many people) is not always necessary.
April 2012
3:3

3.4 Accessible car parking in high-density
developments
1.
he diagram on this page illustrates how provision for

T
future accessible bays can be made in car parks for high
density developments.
2.
hese spaces are where additional side and end spaces

T
are possible, making use of pedestrian circulation space.
This will allow a flexible arrangement to suit future
demand.
3.
Columns are not permissible in transfer zones.
4.
he transfer zones between accessible spaces can

T
overlap with pedestrian routes where necessary.
5.
ransfer zones must not overlap with the minimum width

T
for two-way vehicle movement in car parks.
6.
he cross-falls of accessible spaces should be no

T
steeper than 1:40.
7.
ays should be leased, not sold, to residents, however it

B
is recognised that this is not always possible.
To be changed - add tone in PSD so that

drg reads as one and not two parts floating
on page.
8.
The Wheelchair Housing Design Guide requires:
Parking provision in the form of designated parking
space for each wheelchair user dwelling, off street or
kerbside, nominally level, that can enable transfer to and
from vehicle.
Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/95 states that:
Provided drainage is not compromised, crossfall should
not be steeper than 2.5% [1:40] to aid off-loading of
wheelchairs at the side and rear of vehicles.
9.
here accessible parking is provided then inclusion of

W
some short-term parking for visiting support services, eg,
a nurse, is recommended.
Diagram of future provision of accessible spaces (highlighted) in

high-density developments. The conventionally indicated bays
are provided from the outset.
April 2012
3:4
10.
ome large developments feature car stacking

S
systems, operated by staff, not drivers. Most vehicles
with hand control adaptations can also be driven
conventionally, however some vehicles do not have
driving seats. Therefore DBA suggests that some
conventional parking bays are provided where car
stacking systems are used.
The London Plan

Policy 3C.23 Parking strategy
The Mayor, in conjunction with boroughs, will seek to

ensure that on-site car parking at new developments
is the minimum necessary and that there is no
over-provision that could undermine the use of more
sustainable non-car modes. The only exception to
this approach will be to ensure that developments
are accessible for disabled people.
Annex 4 of The London Plan
Boroughs should take a flexible approach, but

developments should have a least one accessible
on or off street car parking bay designated for use
by disabled people, even if no general parking is
provided.
ll developments with associated off street car
A
parking should have at least two parking bays for
use by disabled people.
April 2012
3:5

3.5 All dwellings on individual plots
The guidance on this page only applies to dwellings on
individual plots. For guidance on accessible approaches
to high-density dwellings that share entrances please
refer to Section 3.7.
1.
2.
aths within the boundary of a dwelling should be at least

P
900mm wide allowing for obstacles such as downpipes
and gullies.
BA uses the term pedestrian access route in access
D
reports to describe pedestrian routes that lead to
residential entrances and other key features of a
development. These routes should therefore be stepfree, well-lit, have firm and even surfaces and be
sheltered if possible. Routes that lead to dwelling
approaches should be treated as pedestrian access
routes. Refer to the criteria of 3.1 for further detail.
3.
Crossfalls should not exceed 1:40.
4.
ny stepped approach should be secondary to a level

A
or gently-sloping approach. The Revised LTH Criteria
include gradients of up to 1:12 (for a distance of two
metres) in the definition of gently sloping.
5.
he maximum going of a ramp on an approach to a

T
dwelling under the Lifetime Homes standards is less
than that permitted by Sections 1 (non-dwelling) and
6 (dwellings) of Part M, now equal to the Wheelchair
Housing Design Guide requirement.
Gradient
Maximum going of ramp
1:12
2 metres
1:15
5 metres
1:20
10 metres
3.6 Wheelchair accessible dwellings on individual

plots
1.
he topography of some sites may mean that the

T
approach to a front entrance cannot be level or gently
ramped. It may be acceptable to provide an alternative
side or rear approach accessible to a wheelchair user
but note that this strategy may impact on the Code
assessment for a development.
2.
he horizontal distance between accessible car parking

T
spaces and residential entrances should be as short as
possible and no more than fifty metres. (Section 2.4 of
Inclusive Mobility).
3.
ote that the Wheelchair Housing standards require a

N
wider path (1200mm) than the Lifetime Homes standards
and Approved Document M.
4.
andrails to ramps should be easily seen and continue

H
across landings and up to the entrance door. Bracket
support handrails on both sides are essential.
5.
arden gates should have a clear opening width of

G
850mm and be easily operated from both sides by a
wheelchair user.
6.
radients outside the boundary of the dwelling must

G
satisfy the table, left. However, they should not exceed
1:15 within the boundary of the dwelling. (WHDG 3.2.6)
April 2012
3.7 Clarification about slopes and ramps

1.
ifetime Homes requires that the approach to all

L
entrances should preferably be level (no gradient
exceeding 1:60 and/or no crossfall exceeding 1:40) or
gently sloping. However, the description of a gently
sloping approach given in the Required Specification
of the Lifetime Home (LTH) Revised Criteria July
2010 conflicts with the description of gently sloping in
Sections 1 and 6 of Approved Document M.
2.
ifetime Homes standards defines a gentle slope as

L
being any gradient that is more shallow than 1:12,
whereas Approved Document M defines a gentle slope
as being more gentle than 1:20. This discrepancy is
important because the handrails and other access
provisions required under Approved Document M are not
usually required for gentle slopes.
3.
pproved Document M considers a gentle slope to have

A
a gradient of between 1:60 and 1:20. This gradient does
not require handrails but does require a level landing for
every 500mm rise.
4.
ramp, as defined in Approved Document M, has a

A
gradient steeper than 1:20, but no steeper than 1:12.
Level landings are required according to the standards
and handrails are required on both sides of a flight.
3:6
Oxley Woods, Milton Keynes, by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners
April 2012
3:7

3.8 All dwellings with shared external entrances
1.
he guidance on this page only applies to the

T
approaches to shared, external, residential entrances.
Refer to previous page for guidance on accessible
approaches to dwellings with their own external
entrances.
2.
outes that are not part of the approach to a building but

R
are key routes through the site, eg, a new connection
between neighbourhoods either side of the development,
should be designed to meet the PAR criteria of Section
3.1.
3.
ny stepped approaches should be designed to meet

A
Approved Document M, Sections 1.27 - 1.33.
4.
Crossfalls should not exceed 1:40.
5.
he table below shows the maximum rise

T
(between landings) for ramps allowable under Approved
Document M, 6.15:
Gradient
1:12
1:15
1:20
Length (m)
5
10
10
3.9 Wheelchair accessible approaches to blocks of

flats
1.
If any wheelchair accessible dwellings are provided in

a development then the WHDG requirements 1.2.11.2.5 and 2.21 to 2.2.4 will apply to common external
approaches.
2.
he topography of some sites may mean that the

T
approach to a front entrance cannot be level or gently
ramped. It may be acceptable to provide an alternative
side or rear approach accessible to a wheelchair user,
but note that this may impact on the Code assessment of
the Lifetime Homes standards.
3.
ote that the WHDG requires a wider path (1200mm),

N
shorter ramps (see left) and shallower cross falls (1:50)
than the Lifetime Homes standards and Part M.
4.
racket support handrails on both sides of ramps are

B
essential. They should be easily seen and continue
across landings and up to the entrance door.
Rise (mm)
416
660
500
6.
All approaches should feature effective external lighting.
7.
he horizontal distance between accessible car parking

T
spaces and residential entrances should be less than fifty
metres. (Section 2.4 of Inclusive Mobility).
8.
aps in drainage gratings on access routes should be no

G
more than 13mm in any direction. (BS 8300:2009 - 5.6).
April 2012
3:8
1.
urrently there are no standards or regulations about

C
mobility scooter parking, but a place to safely store and
change such a vehicle could enable a person to remain
in their own home for longer.
2.
he need for a charging / parking facility for mobility

T
scooters in residential developments arises from the fact
that many people, especially older people, are unable to
walk long distances and rely on a mobility scooter.
3.
ue to the size of mobility scooters and the types of

D
batteries they use it is not usually practical to store and
charge them inside dwellings.
4.
BA recommends that a secure room in the car park of

D
high-density developments, with minimum dimensions
and manoeuvring spaces as shown on the example,
right, should provide sufficient for storage and charging
of two mobility scooters. The overall dimensions of the
room may vary.
5.
S 8300 recommends a maximum space of 1600mm

B
x 700mm for an occupied electric mobility scooter, and
640mm x 1500mm for an unoccupied scooter.
6.
he BS also recommends a space of 800mm x 1250mm

T
for a manual wheelchair. Space to park a manual
wheelchair next to a parked scooter should be provided
in the storage and charging facility.
7.
8.
9.
he supply of electricity for charging mobility scooters

T
in common areas must be considered. There may be
a possibility for integrating this with a power supply for
electric cars and other vehicles.
he routes to any car club, bicycle storage area and
T
mobility scooter storage must be accessible.
rovision for future parking spaces for tricycles and
P
recumbent bicycles used by disabled people should be
considered.
minimum
3.10 Mobility scooter parking
Scooter
parking
Space for
wheelchair
Scooter
parking
Manouevring
zone
Spaces required for parking, charging and manoeuvring two

mobility scooters. Dashed lines show spaces for parking a
wheelchair adjacent to a scooter.
AP / REM to contact City access officer

(Rob Oakley?) for scooter guidance.
April 2012
3:9
April 2012
3:10
4.0 Common parts
4.1
Blocks of flats
4.1
Corridors and doors
4.2
Common stairs
4.3
Lifts
4.4
Means of escape
4.5
Waste
4.0 Common parts
April 2012
4:1
4.0 Common parts

4.1 Entrances to blocks of flats
1.
proportion of dwellings in all new developments in

A
London should be wheelchair accessible and therefore
all common entrances (shared by two or more dwellings)
should meet the requirements of the WHDG.
2.
rovide a level landing of 1500 x 1500mm (square)

P
immediately outside entrance.
3.
rovide a canopy of 1200 x 1500mm minimum,

P
extending beyond door on lock side and at a maximum
height of 2300mm from floor level. (WHDG 3.2.7).
4.
n overhanging upper floor can provide adequate

A
shelter over entrances, as can covered or recessed
entrance ways, but it should be equivalent to the WHDG
specification, above. Enclosed porches to dwellings may
be less accessible than a simple canopy.
5.
ven entrances that do not serve wheelchair accessible

E
dwellings directly should be fully accessible and meet the
requirements of the WHDG to be properly inclusive, ie,
best practice.
6.
rovide an entrance with an appropriate effective clear

P
width of 800mm to meet the Lifetime Homes standards,
WHDG and Table 2 of Part M. This must be increased to
900mm clear opening when the door is approached at an
angle from a 900mm wide corridor to meet Wheelchair
Housing standards.
7.
If a residential entrance will also be used by the public,

eg, to reach shops or a community facility in the building
then the clear opening width of the door must be
1000mm minimum.
8.
rovide clear space beside leading edge of entrance

P
door(s): 200mm minimum for a door opening away from
user, 300mm minimum for a door opening towards user,
extending 1800mm from face of door. (WHDG 4.2.2).
9.
ll thresholds must be nominally level and therefore any

A
upstand should be no more then 15mm high, and should
have chamfered edges.
10.
art M refers designers to Accessible thresholds in New

P
Housing: Guidance for House Builders and Designers,
(1999), published by the Stationery Office.
11.
HDG 4.1.9 recommends that designers consider pushW

pad door operators because self-closing fire doors can
be difficult for wheelchair users to operate. The WHDG
also states:
Closers should otherwise be selected and maintained to
provide delayed action closing and a maximum opening
pressure of 20 Newtons.
12.
ote that 20 Newtons is also stated in the non-residential

N
section of Approved Document M. However, it is now
recognised that 20 Newtons is unfeasible for such doors.
Therefore DBA recommends that the guidance of BS
8300 is followed (see right).
13.
ommon entrances with automated doors may not

C
require shelter if the doors open immediately.
BS 8300:2009
Entrance of Adelaide Wharf development in Hackney
7.3.1
For disabled people to have independent access
through single or double swing doors, the opening
force, when measured at the leading edge of the door,
should be not more than 30 N from 0 (the door in the
closed position) to 30 open, and not more than 22.5 N
from 30 to 60 of the opening cycle.
April 2012
The entrance door at Nido (AHMM for First Base) on

Pentonville Road is simple for wheelchair users to
operate.
4:2
4.0 Common parts

4.2 Reception lobbies in blocks of flats
4.3 Corridors and doors
1.
oormats in common entrances should be long enough

D
to clean the wheels of a wheelchair, which can be as
much as two metres in circumference. Coir matting and
similar materials should not be specified.
1.
evelopments usually include wheelchair accessible

D
units and therefore the communal corridors and entrance
doors should meet the Wheelchair Housing standards
(including turning circles of 1500mm outside entrances
and mat wells suitable for wheelchair users etc).
2.
All entrances should be suitably illuminated.
2.
3.
ny lobby and reception desk should provide adequate

A
manoeuvring space for wheelchair users: refer to Part M
Diagram 10.
4.
S 8300 gives no specific guidance about the height of

B
letter boxes. However, the reach-range for side access
to shelves is 665mm to 1060mm, so DBA recommends
that at least as many letter boxes as there are wheelchair
accessible units in the core (of whatever tenure) are
within the 700mm to 1060mm height range.
ong corridors of 1200mm wide, or corridors with turns

L
will require passing places for wheelchair users. 1500mm
corridors avoid the need for passing places and allow for
traffic in both directions for most wheelchair users. An
1800mm wide corridor will allow two wheelchair users to
pass with ease.
3.
he junction between a lift lobby and corridor can serve

T
as a turning circle / passing place for people who use
larger wheelchairs.
4.
he clear opening of any common area door should

T
take waist height door handles into account. A door that
can open beyond 90 can avoid the effective clear width
being reduced by handles.
5.
he minimum required clear opening width of any door in

T
a shared area of a development is 800mm.
6.
The minimum required opening width should be achieved
7.
oors in common parts, and external doors should have

D
clear space to the side of the leading edge of the door:
200mm on the push side and 300mm on the pull side.
8.
ouble-swing doors with push-plates and kick-plates are

D
the easiest to open for most disabled people because
they can be pushed. Otherwise large D-handles and
L-handles are required for pulling one-way opening
doors.
9.
ocate wheelchair accessible units close to the lift cores

L
to minimise the travel distances and the number of fire
doors on a corridor that a wheelchair user may have to
negotiate.
5.
S8300:2009 states that entry systems should be at a

B
height of between 900mm and 1050mm from floor level.
However, based on investigation of installed systems we
believe this could be too low for video entry systems, and
therefore the centre-line of the unit should be at 1200mm
from ffl, which is also in line with Diagram 29 of Part M.
All of the letter boxes at Adelaide Wharf (by AHMM for First Base) are accessible.
April 2012
4:3
4.0 Common parts

4.4 Common stairs
1.
ote that upper level dwellings with no lift access can still
N
meet the Lifetime Homes standards.
2.
here a building is provided with a lift, it may

W
nevertheless be necessary to use a staircase in an
emergency. This may need to include consideration of
carrying a wheelchair user and for this reason winding
stairs are not recommended.
3.
ll common stairs should be designed to meet Part M

A
requirements, regardless of whether a lift is provided.
4.
Provisions include:

teps with suitable tonally contrasting nosings

S
(see Approved Document M or BS 8300:2009).
op and bottom landings in accordance with Part

T
K1;
Suitable tread nosing profiles;
niform risers of not more than 170mm and

U
uniform going of not less than 250mm;
Risers that are not open;
uitable continuous handrail on each side

S
of flights and landings if the rise of the stair
comprises two or more risers; and
andrails that extend 300mm beyond the nosings

H
of the top and bottom steps.
April 2012
4:4
4.0 Common parts

4.5 Lifts
1.
here is no regulatory requirement for lifts in residential

T
buildings.
2.
he London Housing Design Guide and several local

T
authorities have particular requirements about lift
provision.
3.
pper storey dwellings with no lift access can meet the

U
Lifetime Homes standards.
4.
he Wheelchair Housing Design Guide requires that two

T
lifts are available to all residents of wheelchair accessible
dwellings in case of lift failure.
5.
hile this is reasonable in large developments, it may

W
be prohibitively expensive in smaller schemes, where the
case for a single lift with a rapid-repair contract might be
made, subject to discussion with he local authority.
6.
It is not clear whether the 1500mm x 1500mm landing

spaces required by Part M can be shared by opposite
lifts and so advice should be sought from the Building
Control Officer. It is unlikely that two lifts will arrive
simultaneously, and therefore the landing space between
them could be shared provided that any circulation space
is additional to this space.
7.
Interconnecting doors are recommended between stair

/ lift cores for access to an alternative lift in the event of
emergency or breakdown.
8.
udible announcement of a lifts direction of travel is

A
helpful for visually impaired people.
April 2012
4:5
4.0 Common parts

4.6 Means of escape
1.
ote that Volume 1 of Approved Document Part B is

N
concerned with Fire Safety for Dwellinghouses, the
definition of which does not include a flat or a building
containing a flat. (Appendix E of AD Part B, Volume 1)
2.
relationship between lift access to dwellings on upper

A
levels and escape from those dwellings is beginning to
emerge. This can include use of a back-up alternative lift
in an adjoining safe-zone in an emergency.
3.
ecent advances in the technology of domestic sprinkler

R
systems have led to a revision of thinking regarding
means of escape for disabled people in dwellings.
4.
he Fire Strategy for a development will take

T
precedence over the access statement and this
document. Nevertheless the following measures for the
evacuation of disabled staff customers and visitors to the
development should be considered.
5.
ormal provisions for residential buildings will apply

N
to the development whereby only the residents of an
affected unit will evacuate. Others are protected as the
dwellings themselves function as safe refuges.
6.
arly warning and multiple escape routes from the car

E
parking areas should be part of the evacuation strategy.
April 2012
4:6
4.0 Common parts

4.7 Waste
1.
In David Bonnetts view it is the route to the waste

containers that must be accessible to satisfy the CfSH,
and not the containers themselves; DBA is concerned
with the physical access for residents and staff of the
building, rather than accessible services which may be
provided by a management of the building or the waste
collector.
2.
istances between individual dwelling entrances and

D
waste storage areas must be kept to a minimum,
preferably within 30 metres of an external door, as
specified for houses in the Code for Sustainable Homes
Technical Guide (October 2008). (Note that the October
2007 Technical Guide specifies a maximum distance of
50 metres).
3.
ater versions of the Technical Guide feature Checklist

L
Was 1- Accessibility to disabled people, which lists
precise requirements for ensuring good access to waste
storage. This list states a requirement for a turning circle
of 1500mm to be provided where necessary, and tactile
and visual information.
4.
he checklist also refers to a fitting that attaches to

T
standard containers at an accessible height as defined in
BS 1703.
5.
lthough the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide (2.2.4)

A
accepts that management provision instead of people
being able to take their rubbish to the waster store, this is
not sufficient provision for either the Code for Sustainable
Homes or inclusive design good practice.
6.
omposting facilities should also be fully accessible to all

C
residents, if provided.
Part H - See Marines email for

reference.
April 2012
4:7
April 2012
4:8
5.1 The London Plan and other local

authority policies
5.2 SPG Implementation Point 12: Lifetime
Homes
5.3 SPG Implementation Point 13:
Wheelchair Housing
5.15 WC and bathroom layout - all dwellings

5.16 Lifetime Homes standard bathroom
layout
5.17 Lifetime Homes standard bathroom
layout
5.4
Context
5.18 Bathroom layout (Wheelchair Housing

standards)
5.5
Standards
5.19 Bedrooms
5.6
Entrance doors - all dwellings
5.20 Kitchen
5.7 Entrance doors -wheelchair accessible

dwellings
5.8
Internal doors - all dwellings
5.9 Internal doors - wheelchair accessible

dwellings

5.22 Fixtures and fittings - all dwellings
5.23 Storage

5.11
Living rooms and other living spaces
5.12 Dwellings with more than one storey

April 2012
5:1

5.1 Entrance doors - all dwellings
1.
ntrance doors must have a minimum clear opening

E
width of 800mm. The clear opening width was measured
differently for wheelchair accessible and Lifetime Homes
standard dwellings until November 2010 when the
revised Lifetime Homes standards were included in the
Code for Sustainable Homes. .
2.
he table for clear opening widths on the following page

T
also applies to entrance doors.
3.
clear space of 300mm is required on the pull side

A
of each door at entrance level. This is measured
horizontally from the leading edge of the door, and
should be no further than 100mm from the face of the
door. In other words the door cannot be recessed further
than 100mm if the 300mm clear space is not provided in
the same plane as the door.
Oxley Woods, Milton Keynes, by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners
April 2012
5:3

5.2 Entrance doors -wheelchair accessible dwellings
1.
clear space of 200mm is required on the push side of

A
the door (in addition to the 300mm clear space required
on the pull side), as shown on the diagram, right.
2.
rovision should be made for closers to be fitted to

P
internal entrance doors to suit individual needs.
3.
his means that doors in a wheelchair accessible home

T
should be of a construction that allows closers and other
fittings to be added if needed.
4.
he shorter dimension of the 1500mm x 1800mm clear

T
space required immediately inside the entrance door
must be against the entrance door when closed.
5.
ote that the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide (WHDG)

N
has separate sections for Negotiating the Entrance
Door and Negotiating the Secondary Door, but the
requirements are almost the same. Therefore both
sections have been combined on this page of the DBA
Design Guide.
6.
he long side of the transfer / storage space required by

T
the WHDG must be accessible, so that two wheelchairs
can be parked next to each other and a person can
transfer between them. (Refer to diagram, right).
7.
eep-holes should be provided at two levels in doors

P
to adapted wheelchair accessible dwellings. One hole
should be at standing eye-level, the other should be at
1100mm from the floor (ref: WHDG 5.3.3). A second
peep-hole need not be provided in easily adaptable
dwellings.
8.
he WHDG gives a minimum height from finished floor

T
level of 700mm for a letter box mounted on the back of
an apartment / house door. (Ref: WHDG 2006 5.2.3). A
letter box in the door would need to correspond with this
height.
Example of an entrance to a wheelchair accessible

dwelling from a common corridor.
April 2012
5:4

5.3 Internal doors - all dwellings
2.
4.
lear opening width should be measured from the door

C
leaf when open at 90 degrees to the wall, if the door
opens further than 90 degrees, or from any door furniture
if the door does not open further than 90 degrees. This is
not as described in Part M, ref: 7.7c.
Diagram 1
Minimum clear opening

width of door (mm)
900, head-on approach
750
1200, approach not headon
750
1050, approach not headon
775
900, approach not head

on
900
Diagram 2
A = Lifetime Homes and WHDG method of measuring
clear opening width of an entrance door or internal
door for dwellings, if the door does not open further
than 90 degrees.
A
B
BA recommends that the maximum reveal for any door

D
without compromising the 300mm space required by
standard 6 is 310mm. Refer to diagram 3, right. (Ref: BS
8300 diagram F.2).
6.
onsider the use of bi-fold or sliding doors where

C
outward opening bathroom doors might impact on
circulation space.
B = Clear opening width of door that opens further

than 90 degrees, so that the door furniture does not
impede access.
x = 300mm clear space required for all doors in a
wheelchair accessible dwelling, and all doors at
entrance level for Lifetime Homes standard dwellings.
y = 200mm clear space required to the side of

the leading edge of the push side of all doors in
wheelchair accessible dwellings.
00mm clear space is required to the side of the leading

3
edge of the pull side of all entrance level doors.
5.
A = Part M, Section 7 method of measuring clear

opening width of an entrance door or internal door for
dwellings.
se the table below to select the appropriate clear

U
opening width for doors in relation to corridor widths.
These dimensions apply to all doors / openings and
approaches at all levels of the dwelling. Note that this
table is identical to Table 4 of Part M, with the exception
of a 100mm increase in the required clear opening width
of a door approached at an angle from a 900mm wide
corridor.
Width of approach (mm)
200
1.
300
April 2012
Diagram 3
Maximum reveal of any door without compromising the
300mm minimum space required adjacent to the door
is 200mm. (DBA guidance).
5:5

5.4 Internal doors - wheelchair accessible dwellings
1.
In addition to Part M and Lifetime Homes standards,

doors should be as easy to open as possible. Door
handles should be easily operable with a clenched fist.
This means that lever handles are generally best, and
door knobs are not suitable.
2.
he minimum clear opening width for internal doors is

T
775mm, increased where approach is at an angle.
3.
00mm clear space is required to the side of the leading

3
edge on the pull side, and 200mm minimum on the pull
side of all doors on all levels.
April 2012
5:6

1.
2.
3.
5.6 Circulation space - wheelchair accessible

dwellings
esting a design by showing furniture on floor plans with

T
wheelchair turning circles indicated is essential.
1.
n ambulant disabled person can move around inside a

A
house without the use of a wheelchair.
irculation routes (including corridors, landings) should

C
at least 900mm wide.
2.
ny circulation route that leads to a 90 turn should be

A
at least 1200mm wide for extent of manoeuvring space,
(measured between walls, not skirtings).
3.
nsure that passage widths or approaches to turn

E
through 180 are no less than 1500mm clear of all
obstructions for extent of manoeuvring space.
4.
rovide 1350mm clear space in front of washing

P
machines and similar appliances.
hanges of level within an entrance storey are not

C
recommended, (refer to Part M). An alternative means
of access into the dwelling may need to be considered
where a change of level within the entrance storey is
unavoidable.
4.
ny stairs within the entrance level should have a

A
handrail on both sides. (Part M). Refer to Part K for other
requirements.
5.
Indicate either a 1500mm turning circle or a 1400 x

1700mm ellipse in living areas and dining areas.
6.
In combined living / dining areas one circle in a sensible

location is sufficient.
Adequate space for furniture and space to

approach and use it is essential in a Wheelchair
Housing standard home.
April 2012
Space for wheelchair users to approach and open

doors is essential to meet the Lifetime Homes
standards as well as the Wheelchair Housing
standards.
5:7

5.7 Living rooms and other living spaces
1.
he purpose of Lifetime Homes standard 8 is to ensure

T
that visitors who cannot use stairs can access the home.
In duplex apartments the living room is often at an upper
level for a variety of reasons. In these cases we usually
accept that a bedroom (or other habitable room) at
entrance level could be used as a reception room by the
resident.
2.
In dwellings where the main living room is on an upper

level, the habitable room described above should be
large enough for a single bed, so that Lifetime Homes
standard 9 is met. (See previous page)
3.
It is always sensible to test design proposals by adding

furniture layouts to plans.
Space to approach and use furniture,

as shown in the WHDG (2006).
April 2012
5:8

5.8 All dwellings with more than one storey
1.
ifetime Homes on more than one storey must

L
incorporate design features that would enable a stair lift
to be installed (LTH 12a).
2.
ven if a proprietary stair-lift is available that requires

E
less than 900mm clear space (measured at a height of
450mm above the pitch line), this space should still be
provided.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
nless all of the essential features of a dwelling are at

U
entrance level provision for a through-floor lift should
be incorporated if the ceiling / floor construction is any
material other than timber (LTH 12b)
he essential features are: living accommodation, the
T
kitchen, a main (twin or double) bedroom and a bathroom
meeting the requirements of Lifetime Homes standard
14.
ww.lifetime.homes.org.uk recommends that a softw
pocket of approximately 1000 x 1500mm is made in the
floor construction to make provision for a through-floor
lift, but actual dimensions should be checked with lift
manufacturers. The position of the opening should be
clearly and durably marked beneath floor coverings.
ifetime Homes standard 12b has considerable
L
implications for two-storey units in blocks of concrete
construction.
5.9 Wheelchair accessible dwellings on more than

one level.
8.
9.
10.
11.
hile clear landings for a stair-lift are desirable and

W
should be incorporated if possible, they are not a
necessity in DBAs view because manufacturers have
developed stair-lift options to fit most types of stairs.
Examples are shown on this page.
pace for a future through-the-floor lift may be used for
S
storage space or built in cupboards that can be easily
removed, provided that some alternative storage remains
if this is done. This intention should be clearly indicated in
the Design and Access statement.
he future lift may reduce the occupancy of the dwelling
T
by one bed space, but the master accessible bedroom
should remain. For example, the lift space is provided in
a twin room, in which one of the beds is lost if the lift is
installed.
wellings of this type (including those that are designed
D
to be easily adaptable to meet the needs of a wheelchair
user) should have a space on the entrance level that
could be used for a temporary (single) bed. This area
should be capable of being temporarily separated from
the living space. The living space may be compromised
by the bed, but all members of the household should
be able to sit in and use the room while it is in place.
Provision of this space is usually an issue only in the
smallest of dwellings with two or more levels.
1.
ome local authorities, such as the London Borough

S
of Islington, recommend that wheelchair accessible /
adaptable dwellings are on a single level only.
2.
BA recommends that wheelchair accessible / adaptable

D
dwellings with more than two storeys are avoided
because regulations about more home-lifts in this
situation are more onerous. (See below).
3.
rovision should be made for a future lift to be installed

P
for independent use by a wheelchair user, that meets BS
6440 and is preferably accessed from circulation spaces.
4.
uilding Regulation Part B, clause 2.16, requires that:

B
Where a passenger lift is provided in the house and
serves any floor more than 4.5m above ground level, it
should either be located in the enclosure to the protected
stairway or be contained within a fire-resisting lift shaft.
5.
he WHDG requires that if a lift is installed the following

T
safety and security features are included:
Integral and fire-resistant ceiling and floor traps;
Sensitive edges and surfaces;
Manual override and return to entrance floor; and
Lift-mounted telephone and/or alarm.
dequate space to approach the lift is provided by

A
1200mm clear space in front of the lift. 300mm to the side
of the leading edge of the door should be provided (as
for normal doors) otherwise the door should be fitted with
a remote-control. These provisions should be considered
when locating the penetration for the lift.
April 2012
5:9
pitch-line
Diagram showing 900mm clear width of a stair,

measured at 450mm from the pitch-line, to ensure
adequate provision for a future stair-lift.
Can we get permission to use this (or

more up-to-date version) from Dolphin?
A hinged stair-lift rail can overcome the lack of clear

landing space in a small home.
Illustration from the Having a Stair-lift in Your Home
guide by Dolphin Mobility.
April 2012
5:10

1.
art M, section 10, only requires the provision of an

P
entrance level WC. En-suites and bathrooms elsewhere
in the home are not required to meet the building
regulations.
2.
art M aims to enable wheelchair users to visit new and

P
extended/materially altered dwellings. A WC designed to
meet the minimum requirements of Part M does not allow
side transfer from a wheelchair, or the door to be closed
while in use.
3.
o meet Part M requirements, the WC door should open

T
outwards.
4.
50mm minimum clear usable space should be available

7
between the front of the WC bowl and the opposite wall/
door for front access to WC pan.
5.
wheelchair user would need to manoeuvre their

A
wheelchair to within 400mm of the front of the WC to
enable transfer to the WC.
6.
he washbasin should be positioned so that it does not

T
impede access to the WC.
7.
minimum of 450mm is required between the centre-line

A
of the cistern and adjoining wall.
8.
rovision for a future shower is required by Lifetime

P
Homes standard 10 in the entrance level WC if there is
no other shower at the entrance level of a dwelling. If the
scheme was registered for CfSH after November 2010
the provision must be for an accessible, level access
shower.
Example of Part M, section 10 entrance

level WC with clear space for frontal
access to WC.
April 2012
Example of Part M, section 10 entrance

level WC with door location and clear
space for oblique transfer from wheelchair
to WC.
5:11

1.
ll bathrooms, WCs and en suites in a dwelling should

A
have walls reinforced so that grabrails can be fitted
securely and easily with minimal damage to the finishes.
2.
he walls should be reinforced in a zone between

T
300mm and 1500mm from the floor. If the cistern of the
WC is concealed then the cabinetry must be capable of
taking grabrails or being easily adapted to take grabrails.
3.
nsure that wall finishes, waterproofing and heating

E
allow for the fixing of grabrails.
4.
S 8300 :2009 refers to The Good Loo Design Guide

B
which recommends that drop-down rails be capable of
supporting a load of 171kg applied both vertically and at
45.
5.
It may not be necessary for a bathroom to be

immediately suitable for an ambulant disabled person or
a wheelchair user but options for adaptation should be
indicated on plans.
6.
ptions for adaptation include moving the WC to one

O
side, repositioning the wash basin and substituting a bath
for a shower. It may also mean reversing the door swing
from inward opening to out.
7.
here is no need for a bathroom built to Lifetime Homes

T
standards or wheelchair housing standards to look any
different from a standard bathroom, other than the larger
space provided. Specialist equipment is available if
needed.
8.
If the WC has a concealed cistern then the concealment

will also have to be reinforced to support grabrails.
A wheelchair accessible bathroom with grabrails

fitted. Requirements for grabrails should be
checked with the RSL where appropriate.
A bathroom that is capable of being easily adapted

to meet the Wheelchair Housing standards with
sufficient space and reinforced walls. Specialist
equipment can be fitted when needed.
April 2012
5:12

5.12 Entrance level WC in all dwellings
1.
he requirement for a WC to be provided to the

T
recommendations of Approved Document Part M is to
enable a disabled visitor to the dwelling to use the WC.
2.
his is the minimum provision in all dwellings with the

T
exception of any dwelling that is on two or more storeys,
and has no more than two habitable rooms in addition
to the main living room and any kitchen/diner (typically
a one or two bedroom house). In this case an entrance
level WC as shown in Approved Document M will suffice.
(See previous page).
3.
t least one entrance level WC meeting LTH 10 is

A
required and this should be accessed from circulation
space.
4.
he entrance level (LTH10) WC may be within the main

T
bathroom of a single-level dwelling, provided that this
room is accessed from the circulation space.
5.
1100mm clear space is required in front of LTH 10 WCs.
6.
ote that the wording of section 10 of Category 7 (Health

N
and Wellbeing) of the Code for Sustainable Homes
requires side transfer space to entrance level WCs in all
flats on one storey, and all other types of dwelling that
have three or more bedrooms.
7.
his requirement can be met by recessing the basin so

T
that it protrudes no more than 200mm, as shown by the
example on this page.
8.
rovision for a future level access shower is required

P
in or adjacent to an entrance level WC, unless such a
provision is already installed elsewhere in the entrance
level (e.g. an accessible bathroom).
9.
ntrance level WCs in two storey dwellings are

E
sometimes combined with the utility room.
Three options for the provision of an entrance level

WC that meets LTH 10. Other arrangements are
possible. Note that provision for a level access
shower is also required within or adjacent to the
room.
April 2012
5:13

2.
washbasin that is accessible for a wheelchair user

A
requires 1100mm x 700mm space in front and should
project sufficiently to allow a wheelchair user to reach the
taps, but not more than 200mm from the front of the duct
so as not to intrude into the side transfer space.
3.
If there is no main bathroom (accessed from the

circulation space), then standard 14 applies to the ensuite of the master bedroom.
4.
he space to transfer sideways from a wheelchair to the

T
WC should be 600mm deep (from the front of the pan to
the rear wall) and 1000mm from the centre line.
200 max
400-500 min
350
1000 minimum
Photograph showing how a basin that is mounted

level with the rear of the WC cistern (concealed
or not) does not impinge on the space needed to
transfer to adjacent WC.
1700 minimum

The
bathroom layout should incorporate the minimum
clear zone described on the previous page
1100 minimum
1.
Example of a Lifetime Homes bathroom layouts (DBA).
Note: Drg to be updated so that it doesnt show a minimum dim for the length
of the bath.
April 2012
5:14

5.14 WCs in wheelchair accessible homes
1.
he use of the term transfer applies here to the

T
movement of a wheelchair user from the chair to a WC,
bath or shower.
2.
ome wheelchair users find this easiest (and safest)

S
when moving from left to right, others from right to left.
3.
or this and other similar reasons, bathrooms are ideally

F
fitted out to suit an individual.
4.
5.
6.
he width of clear space in front of the basin should be

T
600mm (between the bath and WC in the example on the
left). This is derived from guidance in the WHDG 2006
about kitchens. The basin should be set at 750mm from
FFL, based on guidance in BS8300 and the Wheelchair
Housing Design Guide. The transfer spaces in front of
the WC should not be blocked by the basin.
second accessible WC with a basin should be
A
provided in dwellings designed for four or more people.
The transfer space for this second WC needs to be on
the opposite side of the WC to the space in the main
bathroom.
If the second WC has a level access shower installed,
then the main bathroom will not need provision for a
future level access shower.
7.
100mm minimum clear space should be provided

1
between an inward-opening door swing and the front
edge of the WC, or between the front edge of the WC
and wall / door / bath.
8.
he WC pan should project 750mm from the wall (or

T
cistern concealment) behind it to allow for lateral transfer
from a wheelchair.
9.
Cs should be positioned with their centre-line 500mm

W
from an adjacent wall, if possible.
10.
he minimum dimension of clear wall required on which

T
to locate an accessible WC is 1500mm, which includes
the 500mm described in 8, above, and a clear space of
1000mm minimum on the other side of the WC for lateral
/ side transfer.
11.
all-hung sanitary-ware allows space for wheelchair

W
footrests to swing underneath. This maximises the space
for a turning circle.
12.
Demonstration of space available beneath wallhung WC to facilitate turning in a wheelchair.

Location: Nido by AHMM
Knee space beneath a wall-hung basin

unobstructed by pedestal of basin.
Location: Nido by AHMM
n plan the turning circle or ellipse can overlap the

O
fittings by 100mm where these are wall-hung.
Speak with DB re position of WC.
Height of mirror
Height of basin
Bathroom thresholds must be level with
other parts of dwelling.
Height of radiators / HTR if they overlap
with turn circle = 400mm min CHECK
April 2012
5:15
Examples of fully accessible bathroom layouts (DBA)
1000
450 minimum
1500mm x 1500mm manoeuvring space
1500mm x 1500mm manoeuvring space
Example of smaller layout with peninsula WC.
1700 minimum
450
450 minimum
1100 minimum
1000 minimum
1100 minimum
1700 minimum
750 minimum
750 minimum
100mm maximum overlap if WC has a suitable profile
Example of preferred layout with WC adjacent to

wall
April 2012
5:16

5.15 Bathroom layouts for wheelchair accessible
homes
1.
2.
ffordable wheelchair accessible dwellings would

A
normally have a level access shower installed from the
outset.
ither provide a 1000 x 1000mm (1200 x 1200mm
E
preferred) shower activity area, or a 1700mm x 700mm
bath. Provision for a future level access shower
(including plumbing) is essential from the outset. It should
also be possible for a bath to replace the shower, should
it be preferred.
3.
It is usually acceptable for market (easily adaptable)

units to have a bath from the outset that can be easily
removed and replaced with a level access shower if
needed.
4.
rovision should be made for direct access from the main

P
bedroom to the bathroom. This could be either a knockthrough panel for future use or a connecting door. This
door / knock-out panel does not need to be full-height.
5.
ayouts should be designed to ensure independent

L
approach and transfer to use all fittings. Bathrooms
and shower rooms require a 1500 x 1500mm square
manoeuvring space, clear of all fittings.
6.
transfer space should be provided at the end of bath

A
450mm deep, and 700mm wide.
7.
nsure the taps are located so that they are easily

E
accessed and operated.
8.
et rooms are ideal for providing wheelchair accessible

W
bathrooms, as they have no raised shower tray
obstruction.
9.
nderfloor heating in wetroom-style bathrooms is

U
recommended to dry the floor more quickly.
10.
imilarly if the main bathroom has both a level access

S
shower and a bath installed from the outset the future
provision is not required.
April 2012
5:17

5.16 Bedrooms in all dwellings
5.17 Bedrooms in wheelchair accessible dwellings
1.
oth the Lifetime Homes and wheelchair housing

B
requirements affect bedrooms.
1.
2.
he most common difficulty with bedroom layouts for

T
wheelchair users is the inaccessibility of windows. This
is usually due to insufficient width for access past the
bed. The WHDG (2006) states minimum requirements
for wheelchair accessible homes (see bedroom layout,
right).
fully accessible double or twin bedroom should be

A
located adjacent to the main, fully accessible bathroom
with provision for a future direct connection between
them.
2.
minimum of one metre clear space double beds and

A
along one side of single beds should be provided in all
bedrooms of wheelchair accessible dwellings.
3.
minimum space of 800mm should be provided at the

A
foot of double beds in wheelchair accessible dwellings.
However 1000mm clear space is required if a wardrobe
or other furniture is opposite the foot of the bed.
4.
single activity space of 1200 x 1200mm is adequate in

A
a wheelchair accessible bedroom.
3.
nsure 800mm clear space (750mm absolute minimum)

E
at the foot of the double bed, with space on both sides,
in the main bedroom to meet Lifetime Homes standards
7 and 15. In other bedrooms it is reasonable to expect
residents to rearrange or replace furniture according to
their needs.
4.
It is always helpful to test a plan by indicating the

position of furniture.
5.
5.
hile mobile hoists are available, it is a matter of debate

W
as to whether they are an acceptable alternative to fixed
hoists. Mobile hoists are sometimes supplied to people
while they wait for a ceiling-fixed hoist to be installed.
There is also concern that a carer is at risk of back injury
when assisting a person in a mobile hoist.
In wheelchair accessible dwellings a full height knock-out

panel is usually provided between the main bedroom and
the main bathroom. Also refer to page 15 of the WHDG
for further detail about hoists.
6.
he ceiling needs to be capable of passing a pullT

out test of 63 stone, (according to hoist manufacturer
Pollock Lifts) Concrete floor slabs are usually adequate
for installation of ceiling-mounted hoists. Details should
be checked with hoist manufacturer. Some acoustic
insulation systems may not be possible in conjunction
with this provision.
7.
ote that switches, sockets and other controls are also

N
required in the bedroom. Refer to Section x.x for details.
6.
7.
BA advises that a direct route with suitable ceiling

D
construction for a hoist is provided in Wheelchair Housing
standard homes, and use of a mobile hoist should be
allowed for in the design of Lifetime Homes standard
dwellings.
A Lifetime Homes standard bedroom at the Adelaide Wharf development.
ifetime Homes standard 13 requires that ceilings of

L
bedrooms and the main, accessible bathroom / WC
are designed so that they can be reinforced to take the
installation of a ceiling hoist.
April 2012
5:18

5.18 Kitchens in wheelchair accessible dwellings
1.
ome of the guidance in the Wheelchair Housing

S
design is out-of-date and inaccurate in that it does not
reflect good practice. DBAs guidance (on this page)
has been developed over some years and is based on
the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide (WHDG, 2006),
Approved Document M, BS 8300, personal experience
and conversations with a specialist in accessible kitchen
design. [Credit Adam Thomas].
2.
In the absence of current, published guidance about

accessible kitchens DBA will accept designs that feature
the Essential (E) items listed in the table below.
3.
nsure that there is enough space provided for a fully

E
adapted kitchen whether or not it will be installed from
the outset.
4.
he kitchens in easily adapted wheelchair accessible

T
dwellings should be adaptable for any future occupant.
The first occupant may need the space and other
features of a wheelchair accessible dwelling, but not a
fully adapted kitchen. However a subsequent occupant
may need all of the features of a fully adapted kitchen
The needs of individual wheelchair users vary greatly
and the kitchen must be adaptable to suit them.
Item E/R
1
Guidance
Sufficient work surfaces and accessible storage space
when a mid-height fridge is in place.
The sink, hob and an 800mm length of work surface have Also refer to 13.
space (rather than cupboards) beneath.
The height of the sink, hob and work surface can be

adjusted to suit an individuals needs. (This would
preferably be enabled by a rise-and-fall unit).
The design of the kitchens should allow for this

adjustment to be done by the buildings management /
housing provider in between tenancies and according to
residents individual needs.
This does not need to be a proprietary rise and fall
system, but an adjustment to the design that facilitates
the height to be changed manually. The need for the
height to be changed in between guests should be
monitored as part of the managements commitment to
ongoing monitoring of the accessible rooms.
3
4
5
E
E
E
DBA comment
E
E
E
E
E
April 2012
The oven, hob and sink should be in the same run of

units because the safest way to transport items in the
kitchen is by sliding them along the worktop.
The microwave should be at an accessible height (if
supplied).
Trolley units on wheels are not specified because they
are potentially dangerous in an accessible kitchen.
The kitchens in the accessible rooms should have the
same facilities as in the standard rooms.
All plumbing is boxed in.
5:19
Item E/R
7
Guidance
DBA comment
A drawer-type dishwasher is recommended for accessible
kitchens because it can double as accessible storage.
An induction hob should be specified to reduce risk of

burning.
9
10
11
12
13
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
All storage and appliances below the worktop should

have pull-out drawers rather than hinged doors.
The worktop should have a waterfall edge on all edges,
not just the front as specified in the WHDG.
Most pull-down basket units do not work well for
wheelchair users, as they need to be operated from a
head-on position. Also the spring mechanisms make
opening them difficult.
A vertically arranged fridge-freezer is impractical for
wheelchair users as the top portion of the fridge and
bottom portion of the freezer are usually inaccessible.
Combined living room, dining and kitchen spaces

reduce the need for doors and are easier for
disabled people to use.
Some wheelchair users find a worktop depth of 600mm

provides too little space underneath for their knees,
especially beneath the sink where there will be boxed
in plumbing. Also, the length of worktop that is not
supported by cupboards beneath will be weak, especially
around the sink. Increasing the depth will improve the
strength of the worktop.
A kitchen equipped for a wheelchair user.
April 2012
5:20

1.
he Lifetime Homes requirement for glazing to start at

T
800mm applies only to the living room, whereas the
same requirement for Wheelchair Housing applies to the
living room, dining room and bedrooms.
2.
wheelchair user should be able to approach and

A
operate at least one window for ventilation in each room.
3.
he only exceptions to guidance point 2 is where fittings

T
in a bathroom or kitchen obstruct the approach space.
However, the location and usability of the window control
should still be accessible. A remote mechanical or electric
control is a suitable solution.
4.
pecify window controls that can be opened with one

S
hand by a seated person. Windows with a top and
bottom lever arrangement may be impossible for
disabled people and shorter people to use.
5.
6.
ilt-and-turn windows are a popular choice in highT

density residential developments where the tilt function
is used for ventilation and the turn operation is used
to enable residents to clean the exterior of the glass.
The tilt operation allows the top of the window to tilt
inwards, hinged at the bottom. However, these windows
are difficult for people with restricted mobility, balance
and strength to close in tilt mode. For this reason DBA
recommends that the function of the handle is changed
from the usual order of a 90 degree turn of the handle
to tilt and then a another 90 degree turn for the turn
operation to closed > turn > tilt.
1100mm ffl transom

800mm ffl transom
Fixed light
Diagram showing key heights for accessible windows.
ilt-and-turn windows tend to have the window control

T
part way up the side of the frame, to minimise the
leverage required to open the window in tilt mode.
However, this is beyond the 1200mm FFL required height
for window controls. For windows in Lifetime Homes
standard dwellings the handle should be within 1200mm
of the finished floor level. A secondary pull-handle part
of the way up the frame can help people who can reach
it.
April 2012
21
5.20 Window specifications - additional guidance for

wheelchair accessible dwellings
1.
common problem of window design is a transom

A
rail at eye level of a seated person. The Wheelchair
Housing standards require a clear zone between 800
and 1500mm from FFL. This can be achieved with
fixed glazing in addition to opening glazing, but safety
considerations (such as a requirement for 1100mm
guarding) should take precedence over the need for a
view.
2.
00mm clear passage to one window in each room is

8
required between furniture or between furniture and walls
in wheelchair accessible apartments.
3.
he handle should be within 1000mm from the finished

T
floor level.
4.
BA recommends that the lever handle for tilt-and-turn

D
windows is at the bottom of the frame. Also refer to 5 and
6, on previous page.
Window controls should be within reach and easy to

operate for all residents

5.22 Storage in all dwellings
523 Storage in wheelchair accessible dwellings
1.
pace for a future through-the-floor lift can be used as

S
storage provided that any built in cupboards can be
easily removed, leaving sufficient storage elsewhere in
the dwelling.
1.
clear space of 1100mm x 1700mm should be

A
provided on the entrance level, as close as possible to
the entrance door for the storage and re-charging of
wheelchairs.
2.
ome disabled people need more than usual storage

S
space for large equipment and an extra bedroom may be
a preferred option.
2.
he space described above should be clear of all

T
circulation space, including the clear space required
adjacent to doors.
3.
Hotel style, wall-hung cupboards that do not meet the

floor can be designed so that they do not impinge on the
circulation space required next to an entrance. i.e they
may overlap a turning circle by 100mm.
3.
pace beneath stairs can be used for storing and

S
charging wheelchairs, provided there is clear headroom
of at least 1500mm.
4.
In wheelchair accessible market housing the transfer

space in the hall can initially be used for storage,
with easily removed built in cupboards, until needed.
This intention should be highlighted on drawings and
explained in the Access Statement.
5.
torage space and cupboards should allow adequate

S
manouevring space to approach and use them. Refer to
section x.x.
April 2012
24

1.
oors to balconies and terraces are regarded as

D
secondary doors in wheelchair accessible homes and
therefore must have a level threshold (maximum upstand
of 15mm).
2.
nly Juliet balconies, or roof terraces over habitable

O
rooms (Which require a step-up- due to slab thickness)
are exempt from the threshold requirements. This only
applies for Lifetime Homes; Wheelchair accessible
homes must have level access.
3.
he Code for Sustainable Homes Hea 3 Private Space

T
credit is awarded
Where outdoor space (private or semi-private) has been
provided that [...] allows easy access to all occupants,
including wheelchair users.
4.
his is separate to the Lifetime Homes standards in the

T
CfSH, but DBA recommends that all balconies are fully
accessible.
5.
ny communal roof gardens for residents must also be

A
accessible for wheelchair users, including a lift to it.
6.
rivate roof gardens for wheelchair accessible homes

P
must have step-free access from the outset.
7.
rivate roof gardens for Lifetime Homes standard units

P
do not need step-free access, but the stair to the garden
should be suitable for a chair-lift.
8.
alcony space should be usable and clear of any door

B
swings. Wheelchair accessible homes require 1100mm
space clear of the door swing.
9.
It should be possible to see over or through the

balustrade without any danger.
Level thresholds to balconies tend to be easier to achieve

with the bolt-on type construction.
Balcony with level threshold at Adelaide Wharf using

bolt-on balcony construction.
Balcony with level threshold at Adelaide Wharf.
April 2012
25
Appendices
Appendix 1 | Lifetime Homes standards pre-November 2010
Use these Lifetime Homes standards for projects registered for Code
assessment prior to November 2010.
Lifetime Homes standard
Note: The Lifetime Homes standards are reproduced from the Code
for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide May 2009. The stated
dimensions and applicability columns are part of the Technical Guide.
A summary of DBAs guidance about meeting the Lifetime Homes
standards is in the far right column and more detailed guidance is
elsewhere in this Design Guide.
Stated Specification and Dimensions which meet

the Lifetime Homes standard
Applicability
Summary of DBA guidance
Car parking, approach and common parts
Where there is car parking adjacent to the home

it should be capable of enlargement to attain
3300mm width.
The general provision for a car parking space

is 2400mm width. If an additional 900mm width
is not provided at the outset, there must be
provision (e.g. a grass verge) for enlarging the
overall width to 3300mm at a later date.
Usually only houses - all dwellings that have

a parking space within the designated plot
boundary for that particular dwelling.
Parking spaces are not required to meet the LTH

standards. CfSH makes a distinction between
in-curtilage parking and high-density car parking.
Spaces in high-density car parks do not need to
be capable of being enlarged.
The distance from the car parking space to the

home should be kept to a minimum and should
be level or gently sloping.
It is preferable to have a level approach.

However, where the topography prevents this, the
following table highlights the maximum gradients
dependent on distance*.
All forms of dwelling - all car parking spaces, for

any type of dwelling, whether that space is within
the boundary or not.
DBA recommends a maximum distance of

50 metres between a car parking space and
the home for wheelchair accessible housing.
It is generally not possible to ensure this for
all car parking spaces in large, high density
developments.
<5m
1:12
5-10m
1:15
>10m
1:20
Paths should be a minimum of 900mm width.
The approach to all entrances should be level or

gently sloping.
See specification and dimensional requirements

of standard 2 above for the definition of gently
sloping.
As standard 2 above.
Note that this standard applies to all entrances,

not just the main entrance. Also applies to
commmon entrances.
All entrances should:
The threshold upstand (any vertical change in

level at the threshold should not exceed 15mm).
All forms of dwelling -
Schemes usually include wheelchair accessible

units, and therefore the requirements of the
Wheelchair Housing Design Guide usually apply,
(including mat wells suitable for wheelchair users
etc).
a) be illuminated
b) have level access over the threshold and
4a). All entrances to dwellings and all communal

entrances to blocks of dwellings
4b). All entrances to dwellings, all communal
entrances to blocks of dwellings and all
associated communal doors
c) have a covered main entrance.
4c). M
ain entrances to dwellings and main
entrances to blocks of dwellings.
April 2012
App1:1

Applicability
Communal stairs should provide easy access,

and where homes are reached by lift, it should be
wheelchair accessible.
Minimum dimensions for communal stairs;
Flats and maisonettes - any dwelling approached

via a communal stair and/or a passenger lift.
If a lift is provided, the communal stairs must
still conform to the requirements stated in the
Specification column.
No additional guidance.
All forms of dwelling - all doorways and hallways/

passageways/ landings on all storeys within all
dwellings, whatever form, on whatever storey,
and all communal areas within a block of
dwellings.
DBA does not account for door furniture in

calculating clear opening widths for LTH
standards, in line with the definition in Part
M (Ref: 7.7c). Our understanding is that door
furniture should be accounted for in Wheelchair
Housing standards (because doors may need
to be fitted with a long handle that would restrict
opening width).
Uniform rise not more than 170mm

Uniform going not less than 250mm
Handrails extend 300mm beyond top and bottom
step
Handrail height 900mm from each nosing
Minimum dimension for lifts
Clear landing entrances
1500mm x 1500mm
Minimum internal dimensions 1100mm x 1400mm
Lift controls between 900 and 1200mm from the
floor and 400mm from the lifts internal front wall.
Inside the home
The width of internal doorways and hallways

should conform to the specifications in the next
column.
Doorway clear opening

width
Corridor / passageway
width (mm) (minimum)
750 or wider
900 (when approach is

head-on)
750 or wider

not head-on)
775 or wider

not head -on)
900 or wider

not head-on)
The clear opening of the front door should be

800mm
All front doors to all dwellings and communal

entrance doors to blocks of dwellings
There should be 300mm to the side of the

leading edge of doors at entrance level
All communal entrance doors to blocks of

dwellings, all communal doors within a block of
dwellings (on any storey), and all doors on the
entrance level of each dwelling (i.e. all doors on
the entrance level of houses/ maisonettes and
every door within a flat).
April 2012
App1:2

Applicability
There should be space for turning a wheelchair

in dining areas and living rooms and adequate
circulation space for wheelchairs elsewhere.
A turning circle of 1500mm diameter or a

1700mm x 1400mm ellipse is required
All forms of dwelling
DBA recommends 750mm clear space is

provided at the end of a bed in the main
bedroom, with the head of the bed against the
wall. In other rooms this may be achieved by
rearranging furniture, (eg long side of double
bed adjacent to wall, or exchange a double bed
in a second bedroom for a single; these are
post-occupancy changes made by the resident).
The living room should be at entrance level.
All forms of dwelling - Living room / living area
In duplex apartments the living room is often at

an upper level for a variety of reasons, including
daylight, external space at upper (smaller) level.
In these cases we point out that a bedroom at
entrance level could be used as a reception room
by the resident if needed.
In houses of two or more storeys, there should

be space on the entrance level that could be
used as a convenient bed space.
Houses / maisonettes - dwellings with more than

one storey
It would be very unusual for a living room at

entrance level to not have enough space for a
bed. Where the living room is on an upper storey
this space must still be provided if there are no
bedrooms at entrance level.
10a). All dwellings except houses/maisonettes,

with two or more storeys, that have 2 or
less bedrooms
Please refer to detailed DBA guidance on page

XX of this document.
10
There should be;

a). a wheelchair accessible entrance level WC
with
b) drainage provision enabling a shower to be
fitted in the future.
The drainage provision for a future shower

should be provided in all dwellings
Dwellings of three or more bedrooms or on one
level;
The WC must be fully accessible. A wheelchair
user should be able to close the door from
within he closet and achieve side transfer from a
wheelchair to at least one side of the WC. There
must be at least 1100mm clear space from the
front of the WC bowl. The shower provision must
be within the closet or adjacent to the closet.
(i.e. applicable to all flats regardless of number

of bedroom, and houses / maisonettes with 3 or
more bedrooms).
10b). All forms of dwelling
Note: these facilities will be required within the
bathroom of all flats if not provided elsewhere in
the flat
Dwellings of two or fewer bedrooms

In small two bedroom dwellings where the design
has failed to achieve the above fully accessible
standard WC, the Part M WC will meet this
requirement.
11
Walls in bathrooms and toilets should be capable

of taking adaptations such as handrails.
Walls reinforcements should be located between

300 and 1500mm from the floor.
April 2012
All forms of dwelling.
Reinforcement required in walls and cabinetry

between 300mm and 1500mm from finished floor
level.
App1:3
12

Applicability
The design should incorporate;
There must be a minimum of 900mm clear

distance between should be a clear space
between the stair wall (on which the lift would
normally be located) and the edge of the opposite
handrail/balustrade . Unobstructed landings are
needed at the top and bottom of the stairs.
All dwellings with 2 or more storeys -
Stairs with winders should be avoided where

possible.
a) provision for a future stair lift

b). a suitably identified space for a through the
floor lift from the ground to the first floor, for
example to a bedroom next to a bathroom.
13
The design should provide for a reasonable route

for a potential hoist from a main bedroom to the
bathroom.
14
The bathroom should be designed to incorporate

ease of access to the bath, WC and wash basin.
15
Living room window glazing should begin at

800mm or lower, and windows should be easy to
open/operate.
Switches sockets, ventilation and service controls
should be at a height usable by all (i.e. between
450 and 1200mm from the floor).
16
Most timber trusses are capable of taking a hoist

and tracking. Technological advances in hoist
design mean that a straight run is no longer a
requirement.
12a). This criterion relates to private stairs within

individual dwellings only.
Provision for both a future stair lift and future

through-floor lift is required.
Landing spaces for a stair lift are not required at
the top and bottom of stairs. This would add a
considerable amount of floorspace to layouts, and
is not necessary with modern stair lifts.
Although there is not a requirement for a turning

circle in bathrooms, sufficient space should be
provided so that a wheelchair user can use the
bathroom.
People should be able to see out of the window
whilst seated. Wheelchair users should be able to
operate at least one window in each room.
This applies to all rooms including the kitchen and All forms of dwelling.
bathroom.
A minimum of 1200mm clear space to approach

the lift is required. This should be achievable
without alteration to walls, doors, kitchens or
bathrooms.
DBA recommends that a knock-out panel is
provided between the main bedroom and
bathroom, (as for wheelchair accessible housing).
However this is not often possible because
en-suites are usually adjacent to main bedrooms
rather than main bathrooms.
DBA recommends that extended / convoluted
routes are simplified, but generally has a relaxed
view as this is more of a wheelchair accessible
housing issue.
Provision of a 2100 x 1900 bathroom enables the
bathroom to be easily adapted to different needs.
Note that the Revised LTH Criteria recommend
2100 x 2100mm.
Please refer to Standard 7.
In the case of super-large apartments, DBA

advises that floor mounted sockets and other
controls are additional to the usual (wall-mounted)
requirements.
Note that the requirements for wheelchair
accessible / adaptable apartments are different.
April 2012
App1:4
Appendix 2 | Lifetime Homes standards post-November 2010
Comparison of the previous (Hea 4, Technical Guide, 2nd edition, May 2009) Code for
Sustainable Homes Lifetime Homes standards with Lifetime Home (LTH) Revised Criteria,
published 5 July 2010 and referred to in the current Code for Sustainable Homes Technical
Guide, published November 2010.
Detailed dimensions are not included here, eg, dimensions of doors and their approaches.
Use these Lifetime Homes standards for

projects registered for Code assessment
after November 2010.
Actual changes to the standards are in the right-hand column in white. Standards that
remained the same but gained more detailed specifications or were changed in line with
DBAs interpretation of the pre-November 2010 standards are in grey.
Criteria
Lifetime Homes standards May 2009
Lifetime Homes standards November 2010
2010 Changes and additions
DBA RDG
Section
1a
Where there is car parking adjacent to the

home it should be capable of enlargement
to attain 3300mm width.
On plot (non-communal) parking
No change
2.4
1. Now requires one space per core in addition to

wheelchair housing requirements.
2.3
1b
Where a dwelling has car parking within its individual plot (or title)
boundary, at least one parking space length should be capable of
enlargement to achieve a minimum width of 3300mm.
Communal or shared parking
Where parking is provided by communal or shared bays, spaces with a
width of 3300mm, in accordance with the specification [below], should
be provided.
The distance from the car parking space

to the home should be kept to a minimum
and should be level or gently sloping.
The distance from the car parking space of Criterion 1 to the dwelling
entrance (or relevant block entrance or lifting core), should be kept to
a minimum and be level or gently sloping. The distance from visitors
parking to relevant entrances should be as short as practicable and be
level or gently sloping.
1. No change in principle; specific reference to maximum

distance of 50 metres with seating provided beyond 50
metres.
2.5
The approach to all entrances should be

level or gently sloping.
The approach to all entrances should be level or gently sloping, and in

accordance with the specification [below].
1. Domestic and communal entrances are now in line with

Part M1/M2 gradients: a maximum gradient of 1:12 over
2 metres, etc.
2.5
2. Please note that if any wheelchair housing is provided in

the development the maximum gradient should be 1:15
on approaches to common entrances.
3. Note that DBA will expect the external environments of
large developments to meet Building Regulations Part
M (Approaches and entrances) and the Wheelchair
Housing Design Guide.
April 2012
App2:1
Criteria
4 - Entrances
a) be illuminated
b) have level access over the threshold and
a) Be illuminated
b) Have level access over the threshold; and
c) Have effective clear opening widths and nibs as specified [below].
1. R
oof terraces or balconies over habitable rooms that
require a step up to increase slab thickness, eg, for
thermal insulation are exempt from the requirement for a
level threshold.
c) have a covered main entrance.
In addition, main entrances should also:

d) Have adequate weather protection*
e) Have a level external landing.*
*Note: For the purpose of requirements d) and e) of this Criterion, main
entrances are deemed to be: the front door to an individual dwelling, the
main communal entrance door to a block of dwellings, plus any other
entrance door associated with the approach route from parking required
by Criterion 2.
5a
Communal stairs should provide easy

access, and where homes are reached by
lift, it should be fully wheelchair accessible.
3.2-3.3
2. A
ll entrance doors, including balcony and roof terrace
doors, are to have a clear opening width of 800mm or
825mm depending on the width of their approaches
(clarification rather than addition).
3. Canopies of 600 x 900mm minimum are required on
individual dwellings and 900mm x 900mm minimum
on shared entrances. Door entry controls are to be
sheltered.
4. Clear, level space outside individual dwellings should be
a minimum of 1200mm x 1200mm. Clear, level space
outside common entrances (and wheelchair accessible
dwellings) should be a minimum of 1500mm x 1500mm.
Landing space is now defined, in line with Part M for
communal entrances.
No change.
Principal access stairs should provide easy access in accordance with

the specification [below], regardless of whether or not a lift is provided.
5b Communal lifts
5b
Communal stairs
DBA RDG
Section
3.4
3.5
No change.
Where a dwelling is reached by a lift, it should be fully accessible in

accordance with the specification [below].
The width of internal doorways and
hallways should conform to the
specifications [in the next column].
Internal doorways and halls.

Movement in hallways and through doors should be as convenient
to the widest range of people, including those using mobility aids or
wheelchairs, and those moving furniture or other objects.
As a general principle, narrower hallways and landings will need wider
doorways in their side walls.
1. Communal doors as required by Part M1/M2. (Refer to

note on item 3).
3.3 and 4.4
2. M
inimum domestic hall width of 900mm, and 750mm at
pinch points. (Clarification, based on DBA advice given
on older versions of standards).
The width of doorways and hallways should conform to the specification

[below].
There should be space for turning a

wheelchair in dining areas and living
rooms and adequate circulation space for
wheelchairs elsewhere.
There should be space for turning a wheelchair in dining areas and

living rooms and adequate circulation space for wheelchairs elsewhere.
April 2012
1. 750mm clear space required between furniture.
4.5
2. Now includes kitchens: 1200mm minimum clear space

is required in front of cupboards and appliances. 750mm
minimum clear space is required along both sides and
end of the double bed in the main bedroom. 750mm
is required along one side of a single bed in other
bedrooms.
App2:2
Criteria
The living room should be at entrance level.
A living room/ living space should be provided on the entrance level of

every dwelling (see Appendix 1 for definition of entrance level).
1. No change, but living space is now categorised as:

Any permanent living room, living area, dining room,
dining area, eg, within a kitchen/diner, or other reception
area that provides seating/socialising space for the
household and visitors.
DBA RDG
Section
4.6
2. Note: In dwellings of two or more storeys, this living

space may also need to provide other entrance level
requirements, eg, the temporary entrance level bed
space of Criterion 9, or the through the floor lift space of
Criterion 12.
In houses of two or more storeys, there

should be space on the entrance level that
could be used as a convenient bed space.
In dwellings with two or more storeys, with no permanent bedroom on

the entrance level, there should be space on the entrance level that
could be used as a convenient temporary bed-space.
1. No change, but more detailed guidance, including

specific reference to provision for a 750mm wide bed
and 750mm approach to the side of the bed, space for a
screen, and an electrical socket nearby.
4.7
2. Temporary bed space is not required if a lift is already in

place in a dwelling (refer to standard 12).
10
There should be;

a) a wheelchair accessible entrance level
WC, with
b) drainage provision enabling a shower to
be fitted in the future.
Where an accessible bathroom, in accordance with Criteria 14, is not

provided on the entrance level of a dwelling, the entrance level should
have an accessible WC compartment, with potential for a shower to be
installed.
1. More rational clear zone described, including 1000mm

clear space required from centre line of WC and allowing
the basin to protrude into the required clear space by
200mm.
4.8
2. F
loor construction to allow for a level access shower
(wetroom style is ideal) and not a raised shower tray.
3. More detailed guidance included about when a small,
Part M (Section 10) WC can be used instead of an
entrance level WC (LTH 10) with the required transfer
spaces.
11
Walls in bathrooms and toilets should be

capable of taking adaptations such as
handrails.
Walls in all bathrooms and WC compartments should be capable of firm

fixing and support for adaptations such as handrails.
1. N
o change, but more detailed guidance given about the
zone of reinforcement required, (300-1500mm from floor
level).
4.9
12
The design should incorporate;
The design within a dwelling of 2 or more storeys should incorporate

both:
1. Clearer and more rational guidance about the required

clear width of stairs in dwellings: 900mm clear width
measured at 450mm above the pitch line.
4.7
a) provision for a future stair lift

b) a suitably identified space for a through
the floor lift from the ground to the first
floor, for example to a bedroom next to a
bathroom.
a) Potential for a future stair lift installation; and

b). A suitable identified space for a through the floor lift from the
entrance to a storey containing a main bedroom and a bathroom
satisfying Criterion 14.
April 2012
App2:3
Criteria
13
The design should provide for a reasonable

route for a potential hoist from a main
bedroom to the bathroom.
Structure above a main bedroom and bathroom ceilings should be

capable of supporting ceiling hoists and the design should provide a
reasonable route between this bedroom and the bathroom.
1. Route should not pass through living/habitable space.

(Based on DBAs previous guidance about meeting this
standard).
DBA RDG
Section
4.17
2. The required specification part of this standard actually

states:
Structure above ceiling finishes over a main (twin or
double) bedroom and over the bathroom should be
capable of supporting, or capable of adaptation to
support the future installation of single point hoists above
the bed, bath and WC.
3. The addition of a ceiling that is capable of adaptation to
support single-point hoists is more rational (and avoids
adding extra cost to many types of new-build homes) and
reflects current best practice in occupational therapy.
14
The bathroom should be designed to

incorporate ease of access to the bath, WC
and wash basin.
An accessible bathroom, providing ease of access in accordance with

the specification [below], should be provided in every dwelling on the
same storey as a main bedroom.
1. More detailed and realistic guidance about the layout of

bathrooms.
4.8 - 4.16
2. 1500mm diameter or 1400mm x 1700mm elliptical turning

space is required when a level shower is installed.
3. Floor construction is to allow for a level or wetroom style
shower (not raised shower tray).
4. Note also the requirement for an accessible bathroom to
be near the main bedroom. (Refer to Standard 13) but it
does not need to be directly adjacent.
15
Living room window glazing should begin

at 800mm or lower, and windows should be
easy to open/operate.
Windows in the principle living space (typically the living room) should
allow people to see out when seated. In addition, at least one opening
light in each habitable room should be approachable and usable by
a wide range of people including those with restricted movement and
reach.
1. Furniture layouts to allow for a 750mm clear route to

windows.
4.19
16
Switches sockets, ventilation and service

controls should be at a height usable by all
(i.e. between 450 and 1200mm from the
floor).
Service controls should be within a height band of 450mm to 1200mm

from the floor and at least 300mm away from any internal room corner.
1. S
witches and sockets to be located a minimum of 300mm
distance from any corner.
4.20
April 2012
App2:4
Appendix 3 | Wheelchair accessible homes

A3.1 Introduction
A3.2 Local variations
These standards are reproduced from The Mayor

of Londons Best Practice Guidance on Wheelchair
Accessible Housing, which includes only the Wheelchair
Housing standards that are required to ensure that a
dwelling could be fully adapted to meet the Wheelchair
Housing Standards in the future, as required by London
Plan (2011) Policy 3.8
Many local authorities in London and elsewhere have

produced their own version of the standards which
usually exceed those in the Wheelchair Housing Design
Guide.
Examples include the London Boroughs of Islington,
Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham and Southwark.
Refer to the Requirements of the Wheelchair Housing

Design Guide (2006) for the complete Wheelchair
Housing standards.
Reference
Item
Summary of DBA guidance and application to high density developments
Moving around outside

Ensure a high degree of accessibility within the development.
WHDG
1.2.1
Footpaths
Ensure that footpaths are smooth but slip resistant, of 1200mm minimum width and
with adequate space to negotiate obstacles, turn and pass.
Exceeds Part M, which specifies minimum of 900mm width for approach to dwelling.
WHDG
1.2.3
Gradients
Ensure that gradients to footpaths or routes within a development do not exceed

[2000mm at 1 in 12 or 5000mm at 1 in 15].
Exceeds Part M, which specifies maximum length of 10 metres for 1:15 ramp, and
maximum length of 5 metres for 1:12 ramp.
WHDG
1.2.4
Cross falls
Ensure that these do not exceed 1 in 50 on paving, whether dedicated to pedestrian

use or shared with vehicles.
Exceed Part M, which specifies cross falls of no greater than 1:40.
WHDG
1.2.5
Crossings
Ensure that these have flush junctions or shallow gradients and avoid gratings or
channels that could trap wheels or footrests.
Refer to BS 8300:2009, Section 5, for detailed guidance on junctions, gradients,

gratings and drainage channels.
Using outdoor spaces

Ensure that spaces within the curtilage of the home are accessible, usable and, where appropriate, secure.
WHDG
2.2.1
Gardens [gates]
Where private back or side gardens are provided, ensure that gates have 850mm
clear opening, and can be operated from each side by a wheelchair user, with
reachable and easily manipulated fittings.
Also ensure that the 300mm clear space to the side of the leading edge of the gate
on the pull side is available, and 200mm on the push side, as required for entrance
and internal doors.
WHDG
2.2.2
Balconies
Provide nominally level access to balcony and useable [1100mm] space clear of any
door swings.
Maximum upstand of 15mm (Ref: WHDG 2006 2.1.3 and 4.1.5)
WHDG
2.2.3
Garden
Lay out garden to provide accessible route from external door, external storage and
external gate.
Refer to BS 8300:2009 for good practice on routes.
WHDG
2.2.4
Refuse
Make suitable refuse provision, i.e. to deposit refuse in a container for collection,
within a short distance of an external door, or ensure appropriate management
provision.
Management provision is not an inclusive solution, unless the same management

solution is available for all residents, for example rubbish collection by management
from all dwellings.
April 2012
App3:1
Reference
Item
Approaching the home

Ensure ease of approach to the home by car, wheelchair or intermediate vehicle with good cover at the point of transfer and
good protection from the elements at the individual or common entrance.
WHDG
3.2.1
Dwellings with a direct

external entrance
Provide a covered parking space for every ground-floor level wheelchair user
dwelling.
One accessible car parking space per wheelchair accessible unit is required by the
Wheelchair Housing standards. However the actual requirement for a specific site
must always be established with the local authority.
WHDG
3.2.2
Covered area [for

parking]
Ensure that minimum clear area [5400 x 3600mm] and height [2200mm] with slip
resistant, smooth and nominally level paved surface below.
Accessible spaces should be under cover where possible (eg in basement car
parking).
WHDG
3.2.3
Dwellings with a
communal external
entrance
Where there is no direct external ground-floor entrance, ensure parking provision in

the form of designated parking space for each wheelchair user dwelling, off-street or
kerbside, nominally level that can enable transfer to and from vehicle.
Refer to BS 8300:2009 for detailed guidance.
WHDG
3.2.5
Route to entrance
Smooth slip resistant route. Ramps, where unavoidable, are not steeper than 1 in
15 and not longer than 5000mm.
Exceeds Part M, see Gradients, above.
WHDG
3.2.6
Entrance landing
Level landing 1500mm x 1500mm minimum, but ensure 1200mm depth clear of
any door swing. Provide side protection where ground level is below path or landing
level.
The 1500mm x 1500mm level landing is required immediately outside the entrance
door. Entrances to dwellings usually swing inwards.
WHDG
3.2.7
Canopy at entrance
Minimum 1200 x 1500mm extending beyond door on lock side and at a max height
of 2300mm,
Also refer to Lifetime Homes guidance about sheltered entrances.
WHDG
3.2.9
Lifts
Where wheelchair dwellings are above the ground floor, lifts should be as detailed
in BS 8300 [i.e. internal car dimensions of 1100 x 1400mm]. A second lift should be
accessible to and from wheelchair user dwellings for use when the first or core lift is
undergoing maintenance.
Also refer to the London Housing Design guide, Section 3.2 for requirements about lift
access according to the number of storeys and dwellings reached by each core.
Negotiating the entrance door

Ensure that the clear opening, approach space and threshold are suitable for use by a person using a wheelchair.
WHDG
4.2.1
Door
Provide effective clear width of at least 800mm.
The effective clear width of a door is measured between the face of the door (if door
opens more than 90) or projecting fitting in open position, and nearest point on
opposite frame. Refer to illustrations on page 13 of the WHDG 2006.
WHDG
4.2.2
Approach space
Provide space beside leading edge of door. 200mm minimum for a door opening
away from the wheelchair user, 300mm minimum for a door opening towards them,
extending 1800mm from face of door.
Also refer to 5.2.2 and 6.2.1, below, which logically applies to entrance doors as
well as secondary doors. The 1800mm x 1500mm clear space mentioned here
should have its shorter edge against the entrance door when closed. The 1800mm x
1500mm space is only required behind the entrance door.
WHDG
4.2.3
Threshold
Provide weathertight accessible detail with total upstand clear of internal or external
finishes not exceeding 15mm.
As for Part M, Lifetime Homes standards and BS 8300:2009.
April 2012
App3:2
Reference
Item
Entering and leaving; dealing with callers

Ensure that the wheelchair user in their own home can:

enter, manoeuvre outdoor chair to transfer to indoor chair, and reverse the process when leaving

leave outdoor or indoor chair on charge

approach door to receive deliveries, retrieve post, open door to visitors, manoeuvre and return into living areas.
WHDG
5.2.5
Lobby
Where entrance lobby incorporated or provision made for added inner door, ensure
adequate space to manoeuvre between doors.
Refer to diagram 11 in Part M.
WHDG
5.2.1
Transfer space
Provide a space within the home of 1100mm x 1700mm to manoeuvre wheelchair to

transfer to a second chair, to store the first, and if necessary to leave it on charge,
clear of circulation routes and the required approach to furniture and doors.
The long side of this space must be accessible, so that two wheelchairs can be
parked next to each other, and a person can transfer sideways between them. This
space should not block any feature or storage space in the home and must be clear
of all circulation zones, including the 300mm / 200mm clear space adjacent to doors.
Treat this space as a piece of furniture!
WHDG
5.2.2
Turning space
1800mm x 1500mm behind closed door, clear of fittings and obstructions, plus
300mm clear space to the side of the leading edge of the door.
The 1800mm clear dimension extends back from the face of the entrance door when
closed.
Negotiating the secondary door

Ensure direct connection to external spaces by an easily operated but secure door, as access to private or shared gardens
and as escape in an emergency. [DBA note: this applies to all communal entrance doors as well as individual dwellings].
WHDG
6.2.1
[Exterior] Landing
Provide nominally level landing 1500mm wide x 1500mm deep with 1200mm clear
of door swing.
This requirement logically applies to the entrance door but not the secondary door (or
balcony door) in DBAs view.
WHDG
6.2.2
Door
Provide effective clear width of 800mm to single or main leaf.
If double doors or sliding doors are used the clear width should be achieved by
a single leaf. Narrower double doors are difficult for many people to manoeuvre
through.
WHDG
6.2.3
Approach space
Ensure space to approach, manoeuvre and pass through the door on line.
Provide 300mm / 200mm clear space to the side of the leading edge of balcony /
garden / secondary doors.
WHDG
6.2.4
Threshold
Provide weather-tight, accessible detail.
As for Part M, Lifetime Homes and BS 8300:2009.
Moving around inside; storing things

Ensure that wheelchair users can:

conveniently manoeuvre, approach and negotiate all doors within circulation areas

approach and use storage off circulation areas.
WHDG
7.2.1
Straight passages
Ensure that passage widths or approaches where no turning or door approach is

required are no less than 900mm clear of all obstructions except skirtings.
Most internal corridors have doors off them with an approach of 90 or an angled
approach and therefore the minimum clear width required is 1200mm (refer to 7.2.5).
WHDG
7.2.2
Head-on approach to
doors in passages
Ensure space beside latch edge of door, minimum 200mm on push side and
minimum 300mm on pull side.
The 300mm and 2000mm clear spaces to the sides of doors should extend back from
the door for 1200mm (the length of a wheelchair) to be usable.
WHDG
7.2.5
Turning 90
Ensure at right angles that passage width clear of all obstructions (except skirtings)
for the extent the turn is no less than 1200mm width in one direction, and 900mm
in the other; or 900mm in each direction in combination with an angle splayed by
300mm.
Refer to diagram X.X in this document for explanation.
WHDG
7.2.4
Turning 180
Ensure that passage widths or approaches to turn through 180 are no less than
1500mm clear of all obstructions (except skirtings) for extent of manoeuvring space.
This is usually required at entrance doors only, where a resident goes to answer the
door, collect post etc.
April 2012
App3:3
Reference
Item
WHDG
7.2.6
Effective clear widths

for doors
Ensure 775mm minimum effective clear width. Increase where approach is at an

angle.
Use the Lifetime Homes standard door/passage widths, ie the same as Approved
Document Part M with the exception that a door that is not approached head-on from
a 900mm wide corridor needs a clear opening width of 900mm.
WHDG
7.2.8
Doors at angles
Provide space to turn between doors at an angle to each other. (At least 400mm
from door to corner).
This requirement is unclear. Use the opening direction of doors and appropriate
manoeuvring space to provide good access instead.
WHDG
7.2.9
Sliding doors
Provide space beyond doorway at latch side for sideways approach and operation
(300mm minimum).
The 300mm clear space to the side of doors should extend back from the door for
1200mm (the length of a wheelchair) to be usable.
WHDG
7.2.10
Storage
Ensure that the depth and width of storage space, in combination with any shelving
layout, provides optimum access to space and other stored items. Ensure that
opening width of doors suits angled or head-on approach.
A minimum clear space of 1000mm is required in front of wardrobes and chairs. A

minimum clear space of 1350mm is the minimum clear space required in front of
drawers in kitchens and bedrooms, for example.
Moving between levels within the dwelling

Where dwellings are designed with more than one floor level, ensure that there is provision for independent movement
between floor levels in a wheelchair without the need to transfer, without compromise of circulation or living space, and with
all the rooms remaining accessible.
WHDG
8.2.3
Circulation
Provide adequate circulation space at each level to manoeuvre, call lift, approach
and open its door to use it.
Provision should be made for a future lift to be installed for independent use
by a wheelchair user, that meets BS 6440 and is preferably accessed from
circulation spaces. A soft-pocket in ceiling (indicated beneath floor covering) should
be provided in dwellings with more than one storey.
Adequate space to approach the lift is provided by 300mm to the side of the leading
edge of the door (as for normal doors) and 1200mm in front of the lift location. If the
300mm clear space cannot be provided make provision for a remotely controlled door.
DBA recommends that dwellings designed to be easily adaptable to meet the needs
of a wheelchair user are on a single storey. Some local authorities state that these
dwellings should always be on a single level. (London Borough of Islington is an
example).
Using living spaces
Ensure that a room can accommodate the usual range of furniture with space for a wheelchair-using member of the
household to circulate and transfer from wheelchair to seating.
WHDG
9.2.1
Room layout
Provide space for wheelchair users to approach furniture, circulate around it,
transfer to seating and approach and operate doors, windows, equipment and
control.
Indicate furniture layouts on unit plans and refer to diagrams on page 14 of the
WHDG 2006. Layouts should indicate that rooms are large enough to accommodate
a reasonable amount of furniture and the circulation zones required. The minimum
passage between furniture is 800mm (750mm for Lifetime Homes 7). A minimum
clear space of 1000mm is required in front of tables, windows and chairs.
WHDG
9.2.2
Radiators
Ensure that their positioning does not inhibit a reasonable layout.
Radiators are not usually indicated on planning drawings but this requirement should
be considered at planning stage to ensure that rooms and corridors are large enough.
WHDG
9.2.3
Sockets
Ensure that sockets are not sited within 750mm of an internal corner.
Note that this dimension is 300mm for Lifetime Homes standards.
April 2012
App3:4
Reference
Item
Using the Kitchen

Ensure ease of approach to and use, from a wheelchair, of the sink, worktops, equipment, all appliances and controls and all
storage essential to kitchen operations.
WHDG
10.2.1
Layout
Clear manoeuvring space not less than 1800mm x 1500mm.
Please make sure that there is enough room provided for a fully adapted kitchen
(whether or not installed from the outset). Key features of a fully adapted kitchen:
ufficient work surfaces and cupboards when an eye-level oven

S
and fridge are in place.
ink, hob and a length of work surface with space (rather than
S
cupboards) beneath.
Other guidance is listed in Section X.X of this document.
asily adapted dwellings kitchens should be adaptable for any future occupant, ie,
E
the first occupant may need the space and other features of a wheelchair accessible
dwelling, but not a fully adapted kitchen, but a subsequent occupant may need a fully
adapted kitchen too. The needs of individual wheelchair users vary greatly and the
kitchen must be able to to be adapted to suit.
Using the bathroom
In housing design terms the design of the bathroom us the key to enabling independence and dignity for disabled people.
The ability to manage most if not all toileting and bathing functions without assistance is highly desirable and is the
foundation of independent living.
WHDG
11.2.1
Bathroom
In all dwellings provide fully accessible bathroom with WC, basin, and installed
level-access shower with provision for bath in place of shower if needed according
to the table below, with flexible or easily adapted services.
ffordable wheelchair accessible dwellings are normally expected (by occupational

A
therapists, housing associations, etc) to have a level access shower installed from the
outset.
It is usually acceptable for private sale units to have a bath from the outset that
can easily be removed and replaced with a level access (wetroom style) shower if
needed.
rovision for a future level access shower (including plumbing) is essential from the
P
outset.
WHDG
11.2.2
Access from bedroom
Ensure provision for direct access from main bedroom.
This is usually provided with a full-height knock-out panel between the main bedroom
and main bathroom. Also refer to Page 15 of the WHDG 2006.
WHDG
11.2.3
Second WC
In dwellings of four or more persons, provide fully accessible second WC with basin,
and hand the transfer space opposite to the handing of the main WC to provide both
left-handed and right-handed transfer options within the dwelling.
Note that the standard relates to the number of occupants rather than the number of
bedrooms.
WHDG
11.2.4
Layout
Ensure independent approach/transfer to and use of all fittings, including

manoeuvring space clear of fittings.
Note that the basin and WC can overlap with the manoeuvring space (Ref WHDG
2006 11.1.5). DBA advises a maximum of 100mm overlap with the WC (provided
that the profile of the specified WC would allow the footrests of a wheelchair to swing
beneath). The basin can overlap the 1500mm square manoeuvring space provided
that it is wall hung. (See figure 18 of the BPG or figure 11.1.5/11.1.7 of the WHDG for
space requirements)
WHDG
11.2.6
Shower
Where fully installed, detail to be fully accessible comprising drained floor, reachable
and usable controls and scope for suitable water containment or suitable enclosure.
Refer to figure 11.1.5 in WHDG and guidance of Section X.X of this document.
WHDG
11.2.7
Bath
Where provided select bath and taps, position and detail to allow a range of
transfers, access to and operation of taps.
Refer to figure 11.1.5 in WHDG and guidance of Section X.X of this document.
April 2012
App3:5
Reference
Item
WHDG
11.2.10
Supports
Ensure that walls and ceiling are adequate for adjustable height basins and
subsequent fixing of hoists, seats, supports and other fittings.
Refer to figure 11.1.5 in WHDG.
Using bedrooms
Ensure that there is space in all bedrooms to accommodate the normal range of bedroom furniture, and for the wheelchairusing member of the household to enter, approach and transfer to beds, approach and use other furniture and operate
windows.
WHDG
12.2.1
Layouts
Provide bedroom layouts to ensure access to both sides of beds in double

bedrooms and outer side of beds in single bedrooms, access to other furniture and
to window.
One metre clear space to be provided on both sides of all double beds, and on one
side of a single bed. 800mm clear should be provided at the foot of double beds
unless the wardrobe is located opposite the foot of the bed, in which case 1000mm is
required. A 1200mm square activity space (clear of furniture) is to be provided in main
(double) bedroom. (Ref: WHDG 2006 12.1.3)
WHDG
12.2.3
Door
Make provision for connection between main bedroom and bathroom by means
of full-height knock-out panel, a door with panel over in full-height frame or fully
detailed door.
This provision is for installation of a ceiling-mounted hoist track, see below. DBA
understands that the knock-out panel no longer needs to be full-height because of
changes to occupational therapy practice, but some local authorities still insist on it.
WHDG
12.2.4
Hoist
Make provision for future ceiling track hoist installation in main bedroom - strengthen
ceiling to allow run into bathroom
Concrete floor slabs are usually adequate for installation of a hoist. Details should be
checked with hoist manufacturerf.
Internal doors
The WHDG requires that All internal doors, including those to storage spaces, can be operated conveniently. This means
the door construction should allow for large pull handles and other fittings that can be added to suit individual requirements
as needed.
WHDG
13.2.1
Construction
Ensure that door construction permits subsequent fixing of pulls or other fittings.
These might include horizontal bars (similar to those on the back of Part M unisex
accessible WCs).
Windows
Ensure independent control of opening windows, passive and mechanical ventilation to requirements of Building Regulations
and to reasonable level of comfort. Ensure balance of daylight, views out, privacy and security.
WHDG
14.2.1
Approach
Ensure that wheelchair user can approach window to operate controls for opening
and ventilation.
One metre clear space is required in front of windows. (Page 14 of WHDG). Also refer
to requirement 12.2.1, above.
WHDG
14.2.4
Safety
Ensure that windows opening out over paths do not create hazards.
(Approved Document Part N)
WHDG
14.2.5
Glazing
Ensure that glazing line to windows in living, dining and bedrooms is no higher than
800mm.
WHDG
14.2.6
Transoms
Avoid full-width transoms (horizontal divisions) between 800 and 1500mm high.
These requirements ensure that a person seated in a wheelchair can see out of the
window. However, note that the requirement for a clear zone between 800mm and
1500mm often conflicts with Approved Document K. Safety considerations previal in
DBAs view.
April 2012
App3:6
Reference
Item
Controls
Ensure that all essential controls are accessible to a wheelchair user and easily manipulated or operated.
WHDG
15.2.1
Main services
Ensure that a wheelchair user can reach, control and read the following: mains
water stopcock; gas and electricity main switches and consumer units.
WHDG
15.2.2
Plumbing
Provide essential isolating stop taps to sink, washing machine, WC and shower, and
ensure that control by wheelchair user is possible.
WHDG
15.2.4
Switches
Specify full plate or large rocker switches, two way where required, and set at
900mm high maximum. Where pull switches are required, provide large pull at
900mm high maximum and cord-restraining eye.
Also refer to 9.2.3 Ensure that sockets are not sited within 750mm of an internal
corner, buit note that this requirement exceeds both Part M (hotel accommodation)
and BS 8300:2009, which both specify a minimum distance of 350mm. This suggests
that 350mm is an adequate dimension for the minimum distance for a socket or
switch from the corne of a room.
(Ref: Part M 4.30g and BS 8300:2009, 1.5.2, final paragraph).
April 2012
App3:7
Appendix 4 | References
A4.1 Legislation
Equality Act 2010, HMSO, 2010.
Planning Act 2008, HMSO, 2008.
Disability Discrimination Act 2005, HMSO, 2005.
The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970,
Department of Health, 1970.
Codes of Practices, Disability Rights Commission (from
October 2004).
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The Education (School Premises) Regulation, 1999
A4.2 Building Regulations

The Building Regulations 2000, Fire Safety, Volume 1 Dwellinghouses, Approved Document B, HMSO, 2006.
The Building Regulations 2000, Fire Safety, Volume 2 Buildings other than Dwellings, Approved Document B,
HMSO, 2006.
The Building Regulations 2000, Protection from Falling,
Collision and Impact, Approved Document K, HMSO,
1998 edition amended 2000.
The Building Regulations 2000, Access to and Use of
Buildings, Approved Document M, HMSO, 2004.
The Building Regulations 2000, Glazing - safety in
relation to impact, opening and cleaning, Approved
Document N, HMSO 2000.
A4.3 British Standards

British Standard 8300:2009 (Amended 2010) Design
of Buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of
disabled people - Code of practice, British Standards
Institution, 2010.
British Standard 9999:2008 Code of practice for fire
safety in the design, management and use of buildings,
British Standards Institution, 2008.
British Standard 5656-2:2004 Safety rules for
the construction and installation of lifts. Particular
applications for passenger and goods passenger lifts.
Accessibility to lifts for persons including persons with
disability, British Standards Institute, 2004.
British Standard DD CEN/TS 15209:2008 Tactile
paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay
and stone (Draft in development), British Standards
Institution, 2008.
British Standard 7997:2003 Products for tactile paving
surface indicators, British Standards Institution, 2003.
British Standard 5395-1:2010 Stairs - Part 1: Code of
practice for the design of stairs with straight flights and
winders, British Standards Institution, 2010.
British Standard 7000-6:2005 Design Management
Systems - Part 6: Managing inclusive design Guide,
British Standards Institution, 2005.
A4.4 Access statements

Planning and Access for Disabled People, ODPM, 2003.
Guidance on Information Requirements and Validation,
Department for Communities and Local Government,
2010.
Design and Access Statements: How to Write, Read and
Use Them, Commission for Architecture and the Built
Environment (CABE), 2006.
A4.5 External environment/transport

Inclusive Mobility: A Guide to Best Practice on Access
to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure, Oxley P.,
Department for Transport, 2002.
Improving Walkability: Good Practice Guidance on
Improving Pedestrian Conditions as Part of Development
Opportunities, Transport for London, 2005.
Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces,
Department for Transport 2007.
Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/95 Parking for Disabled People,
Department for Transport, 1995.
Planning Policy Guidance 13: Transport, Department for
Communities and Local Government, 2011
British Standard 5499-4:2000 Safety signs, including fire

safety signs Part 4: Code of practice for escape route
signing, British Standards Institution, 2000.
British Standard 8501:2002 Graphical symbols and signs
Public information symbols, British Standards Institute,
2002.
April 2012
App4:1
A4.6 Buildings
Designing for Accessibility, Lacy A., CAE/RIBA
Publishing, 2004.
Inclusive Design Toolkit, London Development Agency,
2009.
Building Sight: a Handbook of Building and Interior
Design Solutions to Include the Needs of Visually
Impaired People, Barker, Barrick and Wilson, RNIB/
HMSO, 1995.
A4.7 Signage, lighting and wayfinding

The Colour, Light and Contrast Manual: Designing and
Managing Inclusive Built Environments, Bright K., Cook
G., Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.
Sign Design Guide: a guide to inclusive signage, JMU
and the Sign Design Guide, 2000.
A4.8 Residential references

Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide, 2010.
Wheelchair Housing Design Guide, Stephen Thorpe and
Habinteg Housing Association, 2006.
A 4.9 London policy documents

The London Plan Spatial Development Strategy for
Greater London Consolidated with Alterations since
2004, Mayor of London, 2008.
Supplementary Planning Guidance - Accessible London:
Achieving an Inclusive Environment, Greater London
Authority, 2004.
Best Practice Guidance on Wheelchair Accessible
Housing, Designing Homes that can be Easily Adapted
for Residents who are Wheelchair Users, Mayor of
London, 2007.
London Housing Design Guide, Interim Edition, London
Development Agency, 2010.
A4.10 Landscape and urban design

Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors IDGO, [online]
http://www. idgo.ac.uk/, 2011.
Inclusive urban design: Streets for life, Architectural
Press, 2006.
Improving walkability | Good practice guidance on
improving pedestrian conditions as part of development
opportunities, Transport for London, 2005.
April 2012
App4:2
April 2012
App4:3

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Access design guide 01 | Residential buildings

DAVID BONNETT ASSOCIATES

access consultancy research and design

tel 020 7275 0065

Internal use: document information

Access design guide 01 | Residential buildings

This design guidance document is periodically revised by

Access design guide 01 | Residential buildings

Access design guide 01 | Residential buildings

3.0 Building approach and car parking

5.0 Dwelling layouts

Homes for people

5.1 The London Plan and other local authority policies

Purpose of this guide

Car parking provision - all dwellings

3.3 Car park provision - wheelchair accessible dwellings

5.3 SPG Implementation Point 13: Wheelchair Housing

Using the guide

3.4 Accessible car parking in high-density developments

3.6 Wheelchair accessible dwellings on individual plots

Entrance doors - all dwellings

Entrance doors -wheelchair accessible dwellings

Internal doors - all dwellings

Internal doors - wheelchair accessible dwellings

2.0 The standards and regulations

Approved Document Part B - Fire Safety

Lifetime Homes standards

Revised Lifetime Homes Criteria (July 2010)

Wheelchair Housing standards

All dwellings on individual plots

5.10 Circulation space - all dwellings

4.0 Common parts

Corridors and doors

2.7 BS 9266:2011 Design of Accessible and Adaptable

Local Authority policy

Equality Act 2010

2.6 BS 8300:2009 Design of Buildings and their

Living rooms and other living spaces

5.12 Dwellings with more than one storey

5.17 Lifetime Homes standard bathroom layout

2.10 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended 2005)

SPG Implementation Point 12: Lifetime Homes

5.18 Bathroom layout (Wheelchair Housing standards

2.15 Information required for residential layout reviews

5.19 Bathroom layout (Wheelchair Housing standards)

Access design guide 01 | Residential buildings

Appendices to add: Consultation guidance, Criteria for

Appendix 3 | Wheelchair accessible homes

Access design guide 01 | Residential buildings

1.2 Purpose of this guide

The concerns of this guide are twofold. First that new

Pre-planning DBA is pro-active, postplanning reactive.

Guidance that applies to

Example page to be updated before next

1.4 Using the guide

Access design guide 01 | Residential buildings

2.0 The standards and regulations

2.1 Approved Document Part M Access to and

2.2 Approved Document Part B - Fire Safety

2.3 Lifetime Homes standards

Access design guide 01 | Residential buildings

2.4 Revised Lifetime Homes Criteria (July 2010)

3.0 Building approach and car parking

5.1 The London Plan and other local authority policies

3.3 Car park provision - wheelchair accessible dwellings

5.3 SPG Implementation Point 13: Wheelchair Housing

3.4 Accessible car parking in high-density developments

3.6 Wheelchair accessible dwellings on individual plots

2.7 BS 9266:2011 Design of Accessible and Adaptable

2.6 BS 8300:2009 Design of Buildings and their

5.12 Dwellings with more than one storey

2.10 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended 2005)

2.1 Approved Document Part M Access to and

2.6 BS 8300:2009 Design of Buildings and their

2.7 BS 9266:2011 Design of Accessible and

2.10 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended

2.11 London Housing Design Guide (Interim Edition),

2.12 The London Plan Spatial Development Strategy

2.13 Mayor of Londons Best Practice Guidance on

he following information should be indicated on

radient and length of any ramped or sloped

etails of car parking including accessible car

imensions for communal stairs and lifts

ll clear opening widths of doors and widths of

lear space to the side of the leading edge of

rainage for future shower to be indicated in

3.0 Building approach and car

3.3 Car park provision - wheelchair

3.6 Wheelchair accessible dwellings on

3.0 Building approach and car parking

here car parking is provided in a shared facility at least

pproved Document M states no requirement for

ccessible car parking that is provided to meet the

3.3 Car park provision - wheelchair accessible

he Wheelchair Housing Design Guide requires one

rovide an area of 5400 x 3600mm minimum, and

eople who buy market properties may be entitled to sell

3.0 Building approach and car parking

he diagram on this page illustrates how provision for

hese spaces are where additional side and end spaces

Columns are not permissible in transfer zones.

he transfer zones between accessible spaces can

ransfer zones must not overlap with the minimum width

he cross-falls of accessible spaces should be no

ays should be leased, not sold, to residents, however it

here accessible parking is provided then inclusion of

ome large developments feature car stacking