§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account was taken of the accessibility of blocks of flats in the decision to extend part M of the building regulations to housing in October; and if he will make a statement. [61651]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Building Regulations (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (SI 1998 No. 2561) made on 26 October 1998 modified Part M in Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 1991 (SI 1991 No. 2768) to apply requirements on access and facilities for disabled people to the design and construction of dwellings. The definition of dwelling in the 1991 regulations includes dwelling houses and flats.
The revised Approved Document published to provide practical guidance on satisfying the amended requirements applies to all dwellings, including flats, and also includes guidance on passenger lifts and common stairs in blocks of flats.