Access and Use of Dwellings – The Main Differences between Technical Guidance Document M 2000 and Technical Guidance Document M 2010
It is a common misconception that the guidance in relation to the access and use of dwellings provided in TGD M 2010 which came into effect on the 1st January 2012 has not changed from that provided in TGD M 2000.
The following section outlines some of the key differences between both sets of guidance:
- As stated in Section 0.1(b) of TGD M 2000, the requirements of Part M aimed to ensure that dwelling were visitable by people with disabilities. It is important to note that Section 0.1(e) of TGD M 2010 now amends this and the term ‘people with disabilities’ has been removed. The new requirement is that new dwellings are visitable;
- There was no definition of the dwelling plot provided in TGD M 2000, however, Section 3.1.2 TGD M 2010 now clarifies that the dwelling plot is defined as ‘the private lands associated with the dwelling’;
- In relation to the point within the curtilage of the dwelling plot where a visitor can conveniently alight from a vehicle, Section 1.21(a) of TGD M 2000 previously stated that the distance between the point of access to the site and the nearest entrance is greater than 30 m. Section 3.1.2 (b)(i) of TGD M 2010 now states that the distance between the point of access along the boundary is to the main entrance and not the nearest entrance;
- In relation to access routes, TGD M 2000 recommended that the clear opening width of at least one point of access was 800mm, section 3.1.2.1 (a) of TGD M 2010 indicates that the clear opening width of at least one point of access must have a clear opening width of 900mm;
- TGD M 2000 recommended that an approach may form part of an onsite driveway and the size of the driveway must be 3000mm. This has increased to 3600mm in TGD M 2010 (Section 3.1.2.2(b))
- In relation to an access route where the ground is not graded along the open side of the approach route, the depth of the required raised kerb has increased from 75mm in TGD M 2000 to 100mm in height in TGD M 2010;
- The guidance in Section 3.1.2.4(d) of TGD M 2010 in relation to ramped access routes now shows that where the gradient is between 1:15 and 1:12, the length between level landings has decreased from 6000mm (in TGD M 2000) to 5000mm;
- The minimum unobstructed width of a stepped approach has increased from 800mmin TGD M 2000 to 900 mm in TGD M 2010 and the guidance is specific that this is measured between handrails;
- The minimum rise of each step has increased from 100mm minimum in TGD M 2000 to 150mm minimum in TGD M 2010;
- The minimum clear opening width of an entrance door has increased from 775mm to a minimum effective clear opening width of 800mm;
- Section 3.3.2.1 of TGD M 2010 now requires that where a stepped change of level is provided within the storey, it should be located so that at least one habitable room and a room containing a WC can be accessed from the accessible entrance without the need to negotiate the step(s).
- TGD M 2000 required that the going of steps was 250mm. Section 3.1.2.5 of TGD M 2010 now requires it the going of the step to be 280mm.
- Regarding the provision of sanitary facilities in dwellings, Section 3.4 diagram 34 of TGD M 2010 now requires that the overall internal dimensions of sanitary facilities are 1450mm by 1450mm at a minimum.
- Section 3.5.2 of TGD M 2010 provides additional guidance in relation to the location of switches and controls and provides more detail than TGD M 2000. For example information is now provided on the locations of switches and socket outlets for lighting and other equipment in accessible areas and these should be located at heights between 400mm and 1200mm.
As we can see, the key differences highlighted above are subtle but important and should be taken into consideration at design stage.
If you would like further information on the design implications of Part M 2010, please do not hesitate to contact us.
