Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings - Volume 1: Dwellings
This document covers the requirements for access to and the use of new dwellings, for everyone. It includes many useful diagrams on how to show compliance with the regulations, along with details on Access Statements.
Approved Document M - Volume 1: Dwellings
PDF file: 1.76MB, 69 pages
2015 edition incorporating 2016 amendments: Valid from 1 March 2016
2016 Amendments to Approved Document M - Volume 1
PDF file: 322KB, 12 pages
2016 amendments: Valid from 1 March 2016
Quick links
The requirements in this edition of Approved Document M - Volume 1: Dwellings are as follows:
Category 1 - visitable dwelling
M4(1) - Access and use
Reasonable provision shall be made for people to -
(a) gain access to; and
(b) use the dwelling and its facilities.
Limits on application
The requirements of this Part do not apply to -
(a) an extension to 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.
Category 2 - accessible and adaptable dwellings
M4(2) - Optional requirement
(1) Reasonable provision must be made for people to-
(a) gain access to; and
(b) use the dwelling and its facilities.
(2) The provision made must be sufficent to-
(a) meet the needs of occupants with differing needs, including some older or disabled people; and
(b) to allow adaptation of the dwelling to meet the changing needs of occupants over time.
Limits on application
Optional requirement M4(2)-
(a) may apply only in relation to a dweeling that is erected;
(b) will apply in substitution for the requirement M4(1);
(c) does not apply where optional requirement M4(3) applies;
(d) does not apply to 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.
Category 3 - wheelchair user dwellings
M4(3) - Optional requirement
(1) Reasonable provision must be made for people to-
(a) gain access to; and
(b) use the dwelling and its facilities.
(2) The provision made must be sufficent to-
(a) allow simple adaptation of the dwellings to the needs of occupants who use wheelchairs; or
(b) meet the needs of occupants who use wheelchairs.
Limits on application
Optional requirement M4(3)-
(a) may apply only in relation to a dweeling that is erected;
(b) will apply in substitution for the requirement M4(1);
(c) does not apply where optional requirement M4(2) applies;
(d) does not apply to 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.
Optional requirement M4(3) (2)(b) applies only where the planning permission under which the building work is carried out specifies that it shall be complied with.
Archived copies of Approved Document M
Approved Document M - Volume 1: Dwellings - 2015 edition
PDF file: 1.78MB, 69 pages
Valid from 1 October 2015 until 1 March 2016
The requirements in this edition were:
M4(1) - Category 1: Visitable dwellings
M4(2) - Category 2: Accessible and adaptable dwellings
M4(3) - Category 3: Wheelchair user dwellings
Approved Document M - 2004 edition incorporating 2010 and 2013 amendments
PDF file: 5.85MB, 36 pages
Valid from 6 April 2013 until 1 October 2015
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 - Access and use
M2 - Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M3 - Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M4 - Sanitary conveniences in dwellings
2013 Amendments
PDF file: 478KB, 54 pages
2013 amendments: Valid from 6 April 2013 until 1 October 2015
Approved Document M - 2004 edition incorporating 2010 amendments
PDF file: 4.42MB, 87 pages
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2013
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 - Access and use
M2 - Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M3 - Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M4 - Sanitary conveniences in dwellings
Approved Document M - 2004 edition
PDF file: 2.20MB, 85 pages
Valid from 1 May 2004 until 1 October 2010
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 - Access and use
M2 - Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M3 - Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M4 - Sanitary conveniences in dwellings
Approved Document M - 1999 edition
PDF file: 5.85MB, 36 pages
Valid from 25 October 1999 until 1 May 2004
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 - Interpretation
M2 - Access and use
M3 - Sanitary conveniences
M4 - Audience or spectator seating
Approved Document M - 1992 edition
No download currently available
Valid from 1 June 1992 until 25 October 1999
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 - Interpretation
M2 - Access and use
M3 - Sanitary conveniences
M4 - Audience or spectator seating
Approved Document M - 1987 edition
No download currently available
Valid from November 1987 until 1 June 1992
The requirements in this edition were:
M2 - Means of access
M3 - Sanitary conveniences
M4 - Audience or spectator seating
Quick links to other Approved Documents
The regulations cover all aspects of construction and are constantly reviewed. The guidance documents referred to as 'Approved Documents' contain practical ways and explanations of how to comply with the functional requirements of the Building Regulations.
These 'Approved Documents' are separated into 14 parts:
- Part A - Structure
- Part B (Volume 1) - Fire safety (Dwellinghouses)
- Part B (Volume 2) - Fire safety (Buildings other than dwellinghouses)
- Part C - Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
- Part D - Toxic substances
- Part E - Resistance to the passage of sound
- Part F - Ventilation
- Part G - Hygiene
- Part H - Drainage and waste disposal
- Part J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
- Part K - Protection from falling, collision and impact
- Part L1A - Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
- Part L1B - Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings
- Part L2A - Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings
- Part L2B - Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings
- Part M (Volume 1) - Access to and use of buildings (Dwellings)
- Part M (Volume 2) - Access to and use of buildings (Buildings other than dwellings)
- Part P - Electrical safety - Dwellings
- Part Q - Security - Dwellings
- Part R - Physical infrastructure for high-speed electronic communications networks
- Regulation 7 - Materials and workmanship