Accessible Dwellings: M4(1), M4(2), and M4(3) Categories

What This Requirement Covers

Approved Document M Volume 1 sets out accessibility requirements for new dwellings in three categories, reflecting different levels of accessibility and adaptability. The baseline standard (M4(1)) applies to all new dwellings, while M4(2) and M4(3) apply only where required by planning conditions.

Key Requirements

M4(1): Visitable Dwellings (Baseline)

All new dwellings must meet M4(1) as a minimum

1. Approach: A level or gently sloping approach from the site boundary or car parking to the principal entrance
2. Entrance: The principal entrance must be accessible, with a level threshold (maximum 15 mm upstand)
3. Internal doors: Minimum 750 mm clear opening width for all doorways on the entrance storey
4. WC: A WC must be provided on the entrance storey (or the principal storey if the entrance is above ground level)
5. Switches and sockets: Positioned between 450 mm and 1200 mm above floor level

M4(2): Accessible and Adaptable Dwellings

M4(2) provides a higher standard of accessibility, making the dwelling suitable for a wide range of occupants including older people and those with reduced mobility

1. Approach: Level or gently sloping (maximum 1:12 gradient) approach with a minimum width of 900 mm
2. Entrance: Level threshold, covered entrance with minimum 1200 mm x 1200 mm clear space, and a minimum door clear opening of 850 mm
3. Internal circulation: Minimum 900 mm wide hallways; 300 mm nib on the pull side of doors; turning circles or turning spaces in all rooms
4. WC/bathroom: At least one bathroom suitable for a wheelchair user, with walls capable of supporting grab rails (reinforced noggins or equivalent)
5. Bedrooms: The principal bedroom must be on the same level as the bathroom and have a minimum area allowing wheelchair circulation
6. Kitchen: Work surfaces, appliances, and storage at accessible heights
7. Future adaptability: The dwelling must be capable of adaptation (e.g., through-floor lift space, reinforced ceiling for hoist, removable partitions for wet room conversion) without structural alterations

M4(3): Wheelchair User Dwellings

M4(3) is the highest standard and applies only where specifically required by planning conditions

1. M4(3)
   1. Wheelchair adaptable: The dwelling is designed so that it can be easily adapted for a wheelchair user at a future date
   2. M4(3)
   3. Wheelchair accessible: The dwelling is fully fitted out for immediate occupation by a wheelchair user
   4. Both sub-categories require:

- Minimum 1200 mm wide hallways and approach routes - Wheelchair-accessible kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom layouts - Through-floor lift provision (or space for one) - Accessible parking space within 15 metres of the entrance - Powered entrance door (M4(3)

1. only)

When M4(2) and M4(3) Apply

1. Local planning authorities may set requirements for a proportion of new dwellings to meet M4(2) or M4(3) through local plan policies
2. The requirement is imposed as a planning condition on the development
3. If no planning condition is imposed, only M4(1) applies
4. The London Plan requires 90% of new dwellings to meet M4(2) and 10% to meet M4(3)

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Check planning conditions for M4(2) and M4(3) requirements before finalising the dwelling layouts
2. M4(2) requires careful consideration of room sizes, door widths, and bathroom layouts; standard house types may need modification
3. Ensure wall reinforcement for future grab rails is included in the specification; it cannot be retrofitted without disruption
4. Step-free access is fundamental to all three categories; consider the site levels and entrance design early
5. Provide the wheelchair turning space (1500 mm diameter or 1700 mm x 1400 mm for a T-turn) in all rooms specified by the relevant category
6. M4(3) dwellings are significantly larger than standard dwellings; the cost impact must be factored into the development appraisal
7. Keep a record of the M4 category for each dwelling in the building file and marketing information