Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland's homes: consultation

Annex G – Section 7 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide: Access to dwellings and provision for vehicles

The clauses within Section 7 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide are set out in the table starting on the next page. Where a clause relates to dwellings for wheelchair users, dwellings specifically for ambulant disabled people, buildings containing accommodation suitable for wheelchair users, dwellings specifically for older or disabled people, dwellings specifically for older people, dwellings specifically for older and disabled people, or developments specifically for older or ambulant disabled people, this is highlighted within the table.

Column 3 of the table shows our proposal for each clause for the update to Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide. In the case of the clauses that we are proposing to retain within the updated guide, the design criteria that we are proposing to include ‘as standard’ in future buildings and dwellings delivered to Housing for Varying Needs standards through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme for each category of need – and to accommodation delivered through the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund (or subsequent funding) where the standard is relevant in Gypsy/Traveller accommodation – are highlighted in the third column of the table.

Informed by the proposals detailed in Chapter 3, column 4 shows which clauses are proposed to be introduced into building standards and guidance to implement the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard, along with those that are not applicable for inclusion.

It is important to note that the final proposals contained in the table will be subject to change based upon the outcome of the consultation.

7 Access to dwellings and provision for vehicles

7.1 The needs

7.1.1 To be fully barrier free a dwelling must have step free access from a road. This should be the aim in all but exceptional circumstances. It is particularly important that single storey houses, ground floor flats and flats with lift access have step free access as these can provide the most suitable accommodation for anyone with impaired mobility. In all housing the difference in level between the outside ground and floor should be as small as the overall situation allows, so that steps can be avoided and ramps kept to a minimum. However, it is recognised that on steeply sloping sites step free access may be considered unviable.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by the proposals set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.1 The needs

7.1.2 While the absence of steps is of benefit to many people, pronounced sloping surfaces are difficult for others who use walking sticks, or have balancing problems and who will prefer shallow steps.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.2 Surrounding public footpaths

Public access routes and parking provision should be as Chapter 4.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove –

the proposals for Sections 1 to 5 of the current guide, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper, refer.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.3 Access paths to houses and blocks of flats

7.3.1 Access paths from the road pavement and parking space to the entrance of all dwellings should be step free. Paths should preferably have a gradient shallower than 1:20. Slopes of 1:20 or steeper are classified as ramps (see 7.7).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove –

superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.3 Access paths to houses and blocks of flats

7.3.2 The Technical Standards [3], Part Q require access paths serving one or two dwellings to be at least 900mm wide, but a width of 1000mm is preferable . It is recognised that this width is more difficult to achieve with standard size concrete slabs, but the extra width is of great benefit to people with walking aids, wheelchair users and to accommodate prams. Paths that serve more than two dwellings are required by the Technical Standards, Part Q, to be at least 1200mm wide.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove –

superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.6.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.3 Access paths to houses and blocks of flats

7.3.3 Paths providing access to refuse stores and external areas should also be step free and be at least 900mm wide.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.6.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.3 Access paths to houses and blocks of flats

7.3.4 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Paths from the road pavement and parking space to the entrance door must be at least 1200mm wide. Paths to the refuse store and external area may be 900mm wide provided there is a widening to 1200mm at any sharp turn.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.6.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.3 Access paths to houses and blocks of flats

7.3.5 All required widths are to be clear of any upstands, balustrading or handrails. Surfaces and edgings should be as Section 7.9.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.6.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.3 Access paths to houses and blocks of flats

7.3.6 Wheelchair movement can be hampered by excessive cross falls on access routes and the surface at the entrance door must be nominally level so that the wheelchair is stable while the user operates the lock or entry system. Cross-falls should be kept to a minimum consistent with good water run-off, with a gradient preferably no steeper than 1:100, but a maximum of 1:40.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.4 Gates

7.4.1 Gates should have a clear opening width of at least 850mm to allow wheelchairs and disabled people's scooters to pass through easily.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.6.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.4 Gates

A width of 1000mm is needed for twin-child buggies.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Not standard design criteria.

7.4 Gates

The gate should open beyond 90 degrees so that it does not restrict the width of the path. The gate latch should be reachable and operable from a wheelchair from either side of the gate. This is best achieved by incorporating a hand hole beside the latch.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that the design criteria set out in the first and second sentences would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.4 Gates

7.4.2 Where gates giving access to back gardens are lockable, the lock should be at a height of 900mm – 1050mm from the ground, so that it is reachable from a wheelchair.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

7.5.1 Entrances to dwellings should preferably be step free and it is always best if this is achieved by the use of sloping surfaces of a gradient shallower than 1:20 but with a nominally level area of at least 1200mm by 1200mm at the entrance door.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

Fig 7.1 Entrance without steps or ramps

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

7.5.2 Where a step free entrance is only possible by provision of a ramp this should have a minimum width of 1000mm

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.3.12.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

and have a level area at least 1200mm by 1200mm at the top of the ramp.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.3.13.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

Ramps in other respects must be as Section 7.7.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Standard 4.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

However, some ambulant people will find a ramp more difficult than steps or may find steeper ramps disconcerting. Where possible steps should be provided in addition to a ramp especially if the ramp rises more than 400mm or is steeper than 1:15.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

Fig 7.2 Ramped entrance

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.7.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

7.5.3 Any steps at an entrance must have a minimum width of 900mm, but preferably 1000mm, and have a landing at least 900mm long at the door.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.3.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

The going and design of the steps must be as Section 7.8.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the text would be updated to clarify that this reference relates to complementary steps, as per Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.3.

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in cases where complementary steps are provided.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

Where there are steps but no ramp because of ground levels, it is beneficial if space is allowed for a ramp to be provided in future if needed by the occupant.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.7.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

Fig 7.3 Stepped entrance for general use

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.7.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

7.5.4 Where the entrance is step free it is preferable that the door is positioned so that there is a return of at least 300mm at the handle edge, to allow a wheelchair user to reach this.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although reference to ‘Where the entrance is step free’ would not be included in the updated guide given the proposed update to section 7.5, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Not standard design criteria.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

7.5.5 Dwellings specifically for ambulant disabled people: The entrance must be step free as described above.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

7.5.6 Dwellings for wheelchair users: For wheelchair dwellings the entrance must be step free with a level platform of at least 1500mm by 1500mm at the entrance door, clear of any door swing. This area should allow for a person in a wheelchair accompanied by an ambulant adult or child and for the wheelchair user to move alongside the door to operate the lock and handle. For inward opening doors there should be a space of at least 300mm adjacent to the lock edge of the door and 550mm if the door opens outwards (see 2.5.3).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although reference to clause 2.5.3 would not be included in the updated guide given the proposal for Section 2 of the current guide, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Please note that the design criteria set out in the first and third sentences would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future at the entrance to dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

7.5.7 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Ramps should have a minimum width of 1200mm and be as Section 7.7.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although reference to section 7.7 would not be included in the updated guide.

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in cases where ramps are provided to dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.5 Entrances to individual dwellings

Fig 7.4 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Ramped entrance to dwelling for wheelchair user

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

7.6 Entrance to communal access areas

7.6.1 Entrance to communal access areas leading to ground floor flats or flats with lift access should be step free, but it is preferable that all blocks of flats have a step free entrance. It is also preferable, as for individual dwellings, that this is achieved by the use of a sloping surface with a gradient less than 1:20.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clauses 4.1.3 and 4.1.8.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.6 Entrance to communal access areas

It is also preferable, as for individual dwellings, that this is achieved by the use of a sloping surface with a gradient less than 1:20.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.6 Entrance to communal access areas

Where a ramp is required it should be as Section 7.7. The width of the ramp will be affected by the type and size of the building it serves, but must have a minimum width of 1200mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.6.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.6 Entrance to communal access areas

7.6.2 Where there is a ramp it is preferable to have steps as well to better suit some users and in all cases where a ramp rises more than 400mm or is steeper than 1:15. These must be as Section 7.8.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.6 Entrance to communal access areas

7.6.3 There should be a nominally level platform on the outside of the entrance door of at least 1200mm by 1200mm. Where the door opens outwards space should be allowed for a wheelchair clear of the door swing by increasing the appropriate area to at least 1200mm by 1800mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Scottish Accessible Homes Standard (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.6 Entrance to communal access areas

7.6.4 A wheelchair user should be able to reach the door handle and therefore there should be a clear space beyond the opening edge of the door of at least 300mm (see 2.5.3).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although (a) the text would be updated to take account of the proposed updates to clauses 8.3.3 and 8.3.4 of the current guide, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper and (b) reference to clause 2.5.3 would not be included in the updated guide given the proposal for Section 2 of the current guide, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.6 Entrance to communal access areas

7.6.5 Buildings containing accommodation suitable for wheelchair users: The level platform at the door should have dimensions of 1500mm by 1500mm or 1500mm by 1800mm where the door opens outwards.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.6 Entrance to communal access areas

7.6.6 Buildings containing accommodation suitable for wheelchair users: The clear space beyond the opening edge of the door should be 550mm (see 2.5.3).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although reference to clause 2.5.3 would not be included in the updated guide given the proposal for Section 2 of the current guide, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in buildings containing accommodation suitable for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.6 Entrance to communal access areas

7.6.7 Where the communal access serves only upper floor flats by way of a staircase it is desirable that a wheelchair user can reach the doorbell and enter the downstairs lobby.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.8 and by clause 7.11.1 below.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.7 Ramps

7.7.1 All ramps that are part of the access to a dwelling or are within its curtilage must have the following features: - a gradient preferably of 1:20 but no steeper than 1:12 - a maximum length of 10 metres between landings with slopes of 1:20 to 1:15 gradient and 5 metres with slopes steeper than 1:15, and - a level landing at least 1200mm long at the top of each flight with a ‘corduroy’ tactile surface (see DETR Guidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces [8]).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clauses 4.1.3, 4.3.7, 4.3.11 and 4.3.13.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.7 Ramps

- The appearance of any ramp needs to be carefully designed so that it blends into the surroundings.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Not standard design criteria.

7.7 Ramps

7.7.2 The provision of handrails to ramps will be at least as required by the Technical Standards, Part S. However, it is preferable that all ramps have a handrail that is: - on both sides of the ramp, to allow for people who have to use a particular arm or hand - continuous for the length of the ramp and extends at least 300mm at each end, and - at a height 900mm above the ramp’s surface to suit ambulant people (see also 7.10).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.3.14.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.7 Ramps

7.7.3 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: All ramps must have a handrail on both sides that is as described in 7.7.2.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.3.14.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.7 Ramps

Fig 7.5 Ramp

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clauses 4.1.3, 4.3.7, 4.3.11 and 4.3.13.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

7.7 Ramps

7.7.4 In adaptations for wheelchair users to existing dwellings, if step-free access is to be provided, it may only be possible with a ramp steeper than 1:12, but in this case it must be established, in advance, that the particular user is capable of negotiating such a slope.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – any installation of a ramp that is steeper than 1:12 should be considered on a case by case basis by local authority building standards verifiers.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.8 Steps

7.8.1 If there are steps at an entrance they must be designed to be easy to use by people with mobility problems and people manoeuvring prams. They should therefore have a maximum rise of 150mm and a minimum going of 320mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in cases where there are steps at an entrance.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.8 Steps

To allow for the needs of people with walking aids it is preferable that these dimensions should be 140mm and 380mm respectively.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Not standard design criteria.

7.8 Steps

It is beneficial if the edge of the treads is highlighted in some way so that they are easily seen.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.3.7.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.8 Steps

7.8.2 Steps must not have protruding nosings as this hampers the manoeuvring of prams and may cause people to trip, but risers should have a 25mm splay.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.3.5.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.8 Steps

7.8.3 All entrance steps must have a handrail, at least on one side and preferably on both. It should be at a height of 850mm – 900mm above the pitch line and 1000mm above the landing. See also 7.10 and Fig 7.6.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that, with the exception of the words ‘and preferably on both’, these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in cases where there are entrance steps.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.8 Steps

7.8.4 Dwellings specifically for older people: The steps must have a maximum rise of 140mm and a minimum going of 380mm but it is beneficial for people with walking frames if the tread is as great as 600mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that, with the exception of the words ‘but it is beneficial for people with walking frames if the tread is as great as 600mm’, these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in cases where there are steps to dwellings for older people.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.8 Steps

Dwellings specifically for older people: The edge of the treads should be highlighted.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.3.5.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.8 Steps

Dwellings specifically for older people: And there must be a handrail on both sides of the steps to allow for people who have to use a particular arm or hand.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in cases where there are steps to dwellings specifically for older people.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.8 Steps

Fig 7.6 Dwellings specifically for older people: Stepped entrance specifically for older people and ambulant disabled people

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

7.9 Surfaces and edgings to paths, ramps and steps

7.9.1 The surface of paths, steps and ramps must be slip resistant. Jointless surfacing, while preferable for wheelchair users, can be more hazardous to ambulant people in icy conditions. It is important that paving is laid with flush joints and is not subject to settlement. Loose gravel, cobbles and setts should be avoided. Manhole covers, gratings, etc must be flush with the surrounding surface and any grille bars should be set at right angles to the direction of travel.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clauses 4.1.4 and 4.3.7.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.9 Surfaces and edgings to paths, ramps and steps

7.9.2 Any unprotected drop at the edge of paths and ramps can be a hazard to anyone. The surface should therefore be level with the adjoining ground, or have an upstand of at least 100mm at the edge, or a protective barrier that extends to within 100mm of the surface.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.10 Handrails

7.10.1 Handrails provide support for older and disabled people and also act as a guide for people with impaired sight. They must in general comply with the Technical Standards, Part S. It should be noted that some handrails will be attached to protective barriers required by Part S to be at a height of 1100mm and it will be necessary to have a handrail below the top of the barrier.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.3.15.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.10 Handrails

7.10.2 Handrails should be of a design that is easy to grasp and therefore be of 45mm – 50mm diameter or width, with a clear space of 50mm at the back of the rail. The surface finish should be smooth and comfortable to touch with no sharp edges or corners. Handrails should be firmly fixed to provide good support and with the fixing clear of the part of the rail that is grasped.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in cases where handrails are provided.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.11 Fittings at the entrance area

7.11.1 Door bells should be positioned between 1000mm – 1050mm above the entrance platt, 200mm from any return wall or balustrade for the benefit of visitors with limited reach or who may use a wheelchair. Bells should be clearly visible against their background to assist people who are visually impaired. Some occupants may need entry phones (see 18.5.4.).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that, with the exception of the words ‘Some occupants may need entry phones (see 18.5.4.)’, these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.11 Fittings at the entrance area

7.11.2 Door entry system control panels should be within an area 900mm – 1200mm from the ground.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.6.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.11 Fittings at the entrance area

All control buttons should also be at least 300mm clear of any return wall.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the text would be updated to reflect the fact that control buttons should be outwith the door swing movement.

Please note that these updated design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future where door entry systems are installed.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

7.11 Fittings at the entrance area

Provision should be made for visitors with impaired sight by the use of tactile labelling and for visitors with impaired hearing by visual as well as audible signals where entry phones are installed.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.6.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.11 Fittings at the entrance area

Fig 7.7 Position of doorbells and entry control panels

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the figure would be updated to show that control buttons should be outwith the door swing movement.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

7.11 Fittings at the entrance area

7.11.3 Dwellings specifically for older and disabled people: For reasons of convenience as well as security, it is of benefit if the entrance can be seen from a bay or corner window. This is in addition to the need for a door viewer, see 9.4. In flats, where it will generally not be possible to see the area beside the entrance, it may be thought desirable to install closed circuit television.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the final sentence of this clause would not be included in the updated guide.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.11 Fittings at the entrance area

7.11.4 Signage should allow for the needs of people with visual impairment. All house numbers and other signage should be in a clear typeface, set against a background of contrasting tone. House numbers should also be in relief. (See also Building Sight [7])

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that, with the exception of the words ‘(See also Building Sight [7])’, these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception B Clause falls out of scope of building regulations.

7.11 Fittings at the entrance area

7.11.5 All main entrance doors should be well lit for safety, security and general convenience. It may be necessary to have individual lights at entrance doors where the door is out of the range of public lighting. Lighting activated by PIR detectors will be of benefit to many people.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.7.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.12 Canopies and porches

7.12.1 The protection of a canopy or porch is of benefit to everyone, but particularly those who are less agile and may take time in opening the door.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Not standard design criteria.

7.12 Canopies and porches

7.12.2 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: All main entrance doors should have a canopy or porch to give protection to someone unlocking and opening the door. The canopy should give protection to visitors using the doorbell or entry phone system and should extend at least 900mm from the face of the door.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings specifically for older or disabled people.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.12 Canopies and porches

7.12.3 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: Where there is a level threshold the protection of a canopy or porch also helps avoid water penetration from wind driven rain. Consideration should be given to providing additional protection from the prevailing wind through the orientation of the door or possible return walls.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although reference to ‘Where there is a level threshold’ would not be included in the updated guide given the proposed update to section 7.5, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.12 Canopies and porches

7.12.4 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: For wheelchair users the covered area should be of a size to protect the whole chair and extend at least 1200mm from the face of the door. This is usually best achieved by the canopy being part of the roof of a carport (see also 7.13.8).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although reference to clause 7.13.8 would not be included in the updated guide (see clause 7.13.8 below).

Please note that the design criterion set out in the first sentence would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings specifically for older or disabled people.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.13 Provision for cars

7.13.1 It is always preferable for car owners to be able to park their car within their own curtilage and this is particularly so if someone has impaired mobility. In-curtilage parking space should be at least 4800mm long and 3000mm wide to allow for people with impaired mobility. A potential to increase the width to 3600mm would allow for a wheelchair user. There should be level access between the parking space and the entrance door.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – any parking provision required by a local planning authority should meet Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clauses 4.1.1 to 4.1.3.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.13 Provision for cars

Fig 7.8 In-curtilage parking space

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

7.13 Provision for cars

7.13.2 Communal off-street parking will be needed in flatted developments or for houses on restricted sites where in-curtilage parking is not possible. The requirements for communal parking are given in Section 4.5. Spaces in communal areas should be individually allocated to residents.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – any parking provision required by a local planning authority should meet Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clauses 4.1.1.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

7.13 Provision for cars

7.13.3 Developments specifically for older or ambulant disabled people: Car ownership is likely to be below average, but is also likely to increase in future. In curtilage parking provision may be inappropriate in some forms of developments for older people, but it is important that communal parking areas are well dispersed so that all residents can park a car within a maximum of 30 metres of the entrance door.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the text would be updated to read as follows: ‘Where communal parking forms part of the development, it is important that this area is well dispersed so that all residents can park a car within a maximum of 30 metres of the entrance door’.

Please note that this updated design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in developments specifically for older or ambulant disabled people.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.13 Provision for cars

7.13.4 Dwellings for wheelchair users: The space for a car should be as close as possible to the entrance door and at a maximum distance of 15 metres. In urban areas competing for on-street parking may be too unreliable for disabled people and in areas where there is a very high demand for parking, even off-street communal parking intended for residents may be difficult to police.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the text would be updated to read as follows: ‘Where parking forms part of the development, the space for a car should be as close as possible to the entrance door and at a maximum distance of 15 metres’.

Please note that this updated design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.13 Provision for cars

7.13.5 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Dwellings should where possible have their own covered car space in the form of a garage or carport. This must be designed for full and independent use by someone in a wheelchair and have good protection from the weather for transferring between the car and a wheelchair.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.13 Provision for cars

7.13.6 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Car ports and garages should be at least 3600mm wide and 5700mm long. Some vehicles suited to wheelchair users have access from the rear and this should be allowed for in the design of the car space and its surrounding area. Car ports and garages should have a clear height of 2200mm to the underside of the roof or up-and-over door.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.13 Provision for cars

7.13.7 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Covered access from a carport or garage to the entrance door is of benefit and is best achieved when the roof of the carport or garage also forms a canopy to the door. Canopied pathways between a separate garage or carport and the entrance door to the house afford little protection in severe weather.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.13 Provision for cars

7.13.8 Dwellings for wheelchair users: If the site does not allow space for covered parking spaces, the dwelling will be unsuitable for a wheelchair user who owns a car.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – this clause is considered outdated.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.14 Provision for electrically-powered chairs and scooters

7.14.1 Dwellings for wheelchair users: There should be well protected and secure storage for electrically powered scooters or outdoor chairs, equipped with the necessary charging point. This may be external as part of a garage, carport or extended porch, or it may be internal as part of a utility area or store (see 13.13.2).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that the design criteria set out in the first sentence would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

7.14 Provision for electrically-powered chairs and scooters

7.14.2 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Areas used for battery recharging must allow space for the larger outdoor chairs which will be of a size at least 1200mm by 800mm. For older models of chairs not using gel batteries the area must be well ventilated.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the text would be updated to read as follows: ‘Areas used for battery recharging should be of a size at least 1200mm by 800mm, and should be appropriately ventilated’.

Please note that this updated design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.