Accessible Buildings
Part M of the Building Regulations focuses on access, ensuring that buildings are designed to accommodate the needs of all those who may want to use them - regardless of disability, age or gender.
Our Building Control Surveyors are well versed in applying the standards of Part M and provide help and advice to ensure that new buildings as well as those that have been altered or extended are designed and built to be as accessible as possible. Sussex Building Control also has a dedicated Access Officer, who works closely with the Chief Executive, directors and members to ensure the needs of our community are met.
A technical guide is available for designers on how to meet the requirements of Part M. Links to the sections of the document are available on this website.
The Access Officer plays an important role in advising the Council to ensure it meets its obligations and aims with regard to disabled people including:
Promoting access to council properties:
- Auditing existing council premises
- Identifying access problems
- Prioritising access issues
- Commissioning access improvements
Promoting access to the wider community:
- Assessing planning applications and advising on access issues
- Developing “Best Practice” with local business organisations
- Working with local groups to identify stake holder interests including Horsham and District Access Forum
- Horsham Area Council for Voluntary Service (HACVS)
Providing information on developing legislation:
- Disability Discrimination Act (2005)
- The Building Regulations – Part M
Acting as a contact point for
- The public
- Employers
- Service providers
- Developers
- Architects
Disability advice and training:
- Council policies and procedures
- Employment issues
- Disability awareness training
- Facilitate the development of Best Practice
For further information please contact
Access Officer
Sussex Building Control
Tel: 01403 215648
Email: building.control@horsham.gov.uk