The Chichester Access Group is campaigning for the Approved Document M to be amended, following its conclusion that the standards for accessible toilets detailed in the Document do not meet the requirements of enough disabled people.

The group states:
'The Approved Document M standard toilet recommends that the handbasin is placed in such a position that a person sitting on the toilet can wash their hands. This places the handbasin almost alongside the user’s knees, effectively blocking the space required by a carer should a carer be needed to provide support on the same side as the basin is situated.

We have been told that if a toilet is needed where an attendant is required to access both sides of the user, then a British Standard toilet must be sought but these are comparatively few. Commercial pressures mean that shops, museums, hotels and houses are all being fitted with the standard Approved Document M toilet with its "minimum" space.

In the case of newly built houses it concerns us that the requirements in Part M for a downstairs toilet are vague and contradictory. Approved Document M Section 10.2 states that "it will not always be practical for the wheelchair to be fully accommodated within the WC compartment". Section 10.3 gives guidance regarding access to the WC but if this means that the user is unable to close the door behind them we feel this is an embarrassing and degrading situation forced upon wheelchair users by an inadequate minimum standard.

The Chichester Access Group understands that the Approved Document M will be evaluated and reviewed during the next year or so. At this stage we would like to establish a sample of people’s opinions about the Approved Document M toilets. It is important we collect views from people who support the present Part M standard as well as those who would like to see it changed.'

Please send your comments and views by letter or email to : Chichester Access Group, PO Box 695, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 9NE
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