Don’t forget the Approved Document R

Publication title: Approved Document R – Physical infrastructure for high speed electronic communications networks

Date published: April 2016

Date it takes effect: 1st of January 2017

Due to the huge rise in use of the internet and broadband in almost all aspects of daily life today, the new Approved Document R took effect last January to ensure that all citizens and organisations have access to affordable high speed communication networks. It applies in England to new and existing buildings that are subject to major renovation works. It applies for dwellings and other building than dwellings.

The document introduces a new requirement for in-building physical infrastructure which enables copper or fibre-optic cables or wireless devices capable of delivering broadband speeds greater than 30 Mbps to be installed.

Where the work concerns a building containing more than one dwelling, the work must be carried out so as to ensure the building is equipped in addition with a common access point for high-speed electronic communications networks.

Approved Document R: physical infrastructure for high speed electronic communications networks.

Approved Document M

What does it all M – Muh-Muh-Muh-Mean?

Publication title: Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings: Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellings AND Volume 1 – Dwellings Date published: Vol 1 and 2 March 2015 (Volume 1 corrected 2016) Approved Document M is now split into two Volumes being; Volume 1 Dwellings and, Volume 2 non-dwellings. Volume 2 essentially draws everything from the previous document so has the same technical content. Volume 1 (dwellings) however is now subdivided into 3 parts;
  1. Category 1 – Visitable dwellings
  2. Category 2 – Accessible and adaptable dwellings
  3. Category 3 – Wheelchair user dwellings
Despite the titles being fairly obvious what does this actually translate to in real terms you may ask? Each Category address the requirements under the sub-headings of a) approach to… and b) circulation / use within… Category 1 approach and circulation requirements are basically the same as was required of new dwellings complying with the superseded version of Approved Document M. The new bits therefore are Category 2 and 3 dwellings and which Category you comply with will be which will be designated to you in your planning approval. Under the ‘approach’ sub-headings Category 2 dwellings are required to be a little more generous. and it details car parking and drop-off requirements. Under the ‘circulation sub-heading they include a section called ‘habitable rooms’. The words ‘clear access zone’ feature heavily within this section along with example diagrams detailing key dimensions of these zones to be allowed for. Category 3 goes one step more an essentially provides for a full wheelchair accessible dwelling. Take a look at the difference between a Category 2 bedroom versus the Category 3 bedrooms below.

M2 Accessible and Adaptable

M3 Wheelchair User