These apply to any new building, and also when any alteration is made to an existing building. They are published by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport and may be obtained from The Stationery Office (formerly HMSO) at 119 Kingsway, London WC2 (Tel 020 7242 6393). The regulations cover the kind of disabilities to be provided for, and requirements for access and use, sanitary conveniences and audience or spectator seating. They are amplified by detailed guidance with diagrams and notes showing how the regulations may be translated into the design of particular premises.
Each local authority now has a duty to draw the public's attention to the need to consider access for people with disabilities. National planning guidance has now established that access can be a material consideration in determining planning applications. Alterations which affect the exterior of a building may require planning permission.
Certain work carried out on providing aids for disabled people (e.g. installation of loop system, toilet facilities, chair lifts) is zero rated for VAT.
Before alterations are made to a building, the DAC must be consulted and a faculty sought.
