Introduction

The following information is intended to introduce the key elements of Part M: Access To and Use of Buildings. Wherever possible the relevant document contents or sections are included with each set of regulations.

Use the link below for the full building regulations document;

• Note: All information is current as of January 2006, as is subject to change.

Guidance

Reasonable provision shall be made for people to;
(a) gain access to, and
(b) use
the building and its facilities.
M1. (1) Access and Use

The requirements of this Part do not apply to;
(a) an extension of or material alteration of a dwelling, or
(b) any part of a building which is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected, repaired or maintained.

Buildings other than dwellings

Suitable independent access shall be provided to the extension where reasonably practicable.
M2. (1) Access to Extensions to Buildings other than Dwellings

Note: Requirement M2 does not apply where suitable access to the extension is provided through the building that is extended.

If sanitary conveniences are provided in any building that is to be extended, reasonable provision shall be made within the extension for sanitary conveniences.
M3. (1) Sanitary Conveniences in Extensions to Buildings other than Dwellings

Note: Requirement M3 does not apply where there is reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences elsewhere in the building, such that people occupied in, or otherwise having occasion to enter the extension, can gain access to and use those sanitary conveniences.

Buildings other than dwellings

Section 1: Access to buildings other than dwellings
Section 2: Access into buildings other than dwellings
Section 3: Horizontal and vertical circulation in buildings other than dwellings
Section 4: Facilities in buildings other than dwellings
Section 5: Sanitary accommodation in buildings other than dwellings

Dwellings

Reasonable provision shall be made in the entrance storey for sanitary conveniences, or where the entrance storey contains no habitable rooms, reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences shall be made in either the entrance storey or principal storey.
M4. (1) Sanitary Conveniences in Dwellings

In this paragraph “entrance storey” means the storey which contains the principal entrance and “principal storey” means the storey nearest to the entrance storey which contains a habitable room, or if there are two such storeys equally near, either such storey.
M4. (2) Sanitary Conveniences in Dwellings

Dwellings

Section 6: Means of access to and into the dwelling
Section 7: Circulation within the entrance storey of the dwellings
Section 8: Accessible switches and socket outlets in the dwelling
Section 9: Passenger lifts and common stairs in blocks of flats
Section 10: WC provision in the entrance storey of the dwelling

Further information and useful links

• Making structural changes to your property
• Full guide to the building regulations

• Find a Builder near you
• Find an Architect near you
• Find an Chartered Surveyor near you

• Building Regulations an explanatory booklet (odpm.gov.uk)
• Party Wall Guidance (rics.org)
• Impact of the Party Wall Act 1996 (odpm.gov.uk)