Wheelchair & disability access to a new build

[aspley]

The front of this new build will be laid with an interlocking gravel and my question is ‘are gravel trays ok for a wheelchair access path running alongside the gravel drive’. The intended path will terminate at a compliant ramp and turning platform at the front access.
Secondary question is does anyone know where this issue might be covered within the building regs.

 

[^woody^]

Part M section 2a.

Access paths are only covered if the planning permission made it a condition.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Part M section 2a.

Access paths are only covered if the planning permission made it a condition.

Part M states:

1.6 To enable most people to approach the dwelling, approach routes should comply with all of the
following.
a. The approach route is level, gently sloping, ramped or, where unavoidable, stepped.
b. All external parts of the approach route have a suitable ground surface.

and defines a suitable ground surface as:

External ground surface that is firm, even, smooth
enough to be wheeled over, is not covered with
loose laid materials such as gravel and shingle, and
has a maximum crossfall of 1:40

Not quite sure what you mean by interlocking gravel, it you actually mean self binding then the gravel is bound together so as to form a solid surface for all intents and purposes. So that would be acceptable.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It's likely your property is Category 1, so only the section on Category 1 applies, this is the doc: https://assets.publishing.service.g...BR_PDF_AD_M1_2015_with_2016_amendments_V3.pdf pages 4-9

Category 2 or 3 applies only when the local authority have made it a a condition of the planning application or the houses have been built to a more accessible standard. But you would need to check the conditions in the planning approval and probably the design and access statement to know for sure unless the developer is forthcoming.

 

[aspley]

Thanks for all of that very helpful stuff. By ‘interlocking gravel’ I mean angular gravel that, with a mixture of 20mm an 10mm tends to bond together rather than smooth or round gravel that we know does not.
I am thinking 1m wide gravel trays running down the length of the drive will be acceptable but where you find out about that is an issue. A number of manufacturers of the grids describe them as wheel chair friendly but trying to convince my BCO of that is another thing.
Unfortunately I don’t trust them so will need agreement in writing before I go ahead…….a shame but that’s the way it is

 

[noseall]

Thanks for all of that very helpful stuff. By ‘interlocking gravel’ I mean angular gravel that, with a mixture of 20mm an 10mm tends to bond together rather than smooth or round gravel that we know does not.

I wouldn't want gravel of any kind, anywhere near a wheelchair access path - interlocking or not.

 

[hllns]

Compliant or not is slinging the path off to the side from the obvious desire line straight up to the front door a good idea?

 

[aspley]

I should perhaps have added that this new build is already sold but I still need to obtain BC certificate. The buyers are not disabled

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

So you're building the house? Are you the builder or the client?