Approved Document Part M 2004

From 1 May 2004 the revised edition of the Building Regulations 2000 Access To And Use Of Buildings  AD(M)2004 came into effect.

During 2009 work will start on updating and amending this document, however this could take one to two years to complete.

Part M- 2004

This edition of Part M brings the technical requirements in the building regulations more in line with the recommendations of BS8300:2009  Design Of Buildings And Their Approaches To Meet The Needs Of Disabled People.

As well as the changes in the technical requirements there have also been significant amendments to where these regulations will apply. The most significant change is likely to be the application of the regulations to material alterations. Part M may now apply when a building is altered, in addition to when a new building is being built or an existing building is extended. The duty to not make access for disabled people worse during building work will now also apply to residential dwellings.

The revised Part M also introduces the concept of a Design and Access Statement - DAS which will be required when plans are submitted. The DAS should outline the philosophy and approach to inclusive design taken by the developer and also indicate how inclusive access will be achieved. Attending to access issues at the design stage will help to integrate universal design features into the building at the earliest opportunity.

Checklist and information

We have prepared a useful Part M checklist which can be used to help ensure any proposed works comply with the relevant requirements of AD(M)2004.  You can also see and download a copy of the Approved Document Part M.

For any further information please contact the Access Officer