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Approved Document M

What does it all M – Muh-Muh-Muh-Mean?

Publication title: Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings: Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellings AND Volume 1 – Dwellings Date published: Vol 1 and 2 March 2015 (Volume 1 corrected 2016) Approved Document M is now split into two Volumes being; Volume 1 Dwellings and, Volume 2 non-dwellings. Volume 2 essentially draws everything from the previous document so has the same technical content. Volume 1 (dwellings) however is now subdivided into 3 parts;
  1. Category 1 – Visitable dwellings
  2. Category 2 – Accessible and adaptable dwellings
  3. Category 3 – Wheelchair user dwellings
Despite the titles being fairly obvious what does this actually translate to in real terms you may ask? Each Category address the requirements under the sub-headings of a) approach to… and b) circulation / use withinCategory 1 approach and circulation requirements are basically the same as was required of new dwellings complying with the superseded version of Approved Document M. The new bits therefore are Category 2 and 3 dwellings and which Category you comply with will be which will be designated to you in your planning approval. Under the ‘approach’ sub-headings Category 2 dwellings are required to be a little more generous. and it details car parking and drop-off requirements. Under the ‘circulation sub-heading they include a section called ‘habitable rooms’. The words ‘clear access zone’ feature heavily within this section along with example diagrams detailing key dimensions of these zones to be allowed for. Category 3 goes one step more an essentially provides for a full wheelchair accessible dwelling. Take a look at the difference between a Category 2 bedroom versus the Category 3 bedrooms below.

M2 Accessible and Adaptable

M3 Wheelchair User

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Declaration and Request for Final Certificate by Client, Principal Designer, and Principal Contractor

1) I/we confirm that I/we have fulfilled our obligations in respect of Principal Designer / Principal Contractor as defined in Regulation 16E of The Building (Approved Inspector etc.) Regulations 2010 and Part 2A (duty holders and competence) of the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended). As far as I/we are reasonably and practicably able to ascertain, the works, to the best of our knowledge, comply with the Building Regulations. I/we therefore formally request issue of the Final Certificate.

2) I/we confirm that as the person carrying out the work, I/we have passed all pertinent fire safety information to the responsible person (RP) as required by Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations such that they may adequately and reasonably fulfil their ongoing obligation under the RR(FS)O.

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