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Shops: Disability

Answer

Part M (Access to and use of buildings) of the Building Regulations sets out requirements in relation to access and use, as well as provision of sanitary conveniences in buildings other than dwellings, including shops and retail outlets. The Building Regulations apply only where building work occurs, typically being the erection, extension or material alteration of a building, and are not retrospective. These requirements are supported by guidance in Approved Document M which sets out ways in which compliance can be demonstrated in the most common of circumstances.With all building work, meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations is the responsibility of the person carrying out the building work and, if they are not the same person, the owner of the building. Failure to comply with the relevant rules will result in the owner being liable for any remedial action.The responsibility for checking the Building Regulations have been met falls to Building Control Bodies—either from the local authority or the private sector as an approved inspector. The guidance contained in Approved Document M supports the building control service and others who use the system in their efforts to ensure compliance.We are not currently aware of any evidence that indicates significant issues with compliance in this specific area. If evidence of problems with compliance with any part of the Building Regulations emerges, we will consider the case for action—by Government or others.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

21186; 517 c815-6W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Disability Shops

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk