Social Landlord Service: Adaptations Policy
Appendix 1
The table below details points to consider when acquiring a property to adapt for wheelchair use:
| Area | Principle | Design Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | Provide, or enable by cost effective adaptation, parking that makes getting into and out of the vehicle as convenient as possible | Where a dwelling has car parking within its individual plot boundary, at least one parking space length should be capable of enlargement to achieve a level car hardstanding area that is 4800mm x 3300mm, ideally this will be as close to the property as possible. |
| Approach to the dwelling | Enable, as far as practicable, convenient movement along approach routes to the dwelling for the widest range of people | The distance from a car parking space to the dwelling entrance should be kept to a minimum and be level or gently sloping. Where ramping is required consider space available for level access platform at the entrance door, minimum 1500mm x 1200mm, with suitable space available to construct a ramped pathway with a gradient no greater than 1:12 for runs up to 5m. The pathway will ideally be 1200mm wide with a minimum requirement of 900mm. |
| Entrances | Enable ease of use of all entrances for the widest range of people | Where possible entrances would have, or the following will be achievable;
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| Internal doorways and hallways | Enable convenient movement in hallways and through doorways | Movement in hallways and through doorways should be as convenient to the widest range of people, including those using mobility aids or wheelchairs. As a general principle, narrower hallways and landings will need wider doorways in their side walls. Subject to provision of adequate door opening widths, the minimum width of any hallway/landing in a dwelling should be 900mm. This may reduce to 800mm at 'pinch points' (e.g. beside a radiator) as long as the reduced width is not opposite, or adjacent to, a doorway. The minimum clear opening width of any doorway within a dwelling, when the approach to the door is 'head on', is 800mm. A wider clear opening will be required when a turn is required with a minimum clear opening of 850mm being achievable. |
| Circulation space | Enable convenient movement in rooms for as many people as possible | A clear turning circle of 1500mm diameter will be achievable in all rooms to be used by the wheelchair user. Where movement between furniture is necessary for essential circulation (e.g. to approach other rooms, or the window) a clear width of 800mm between items should be possible. Kitchens: should have a clear width of 1200mm between kitchen unit fronts / appliance fronts and any fixed obstruction opposite (such as other kitchen fittings or walls). This clear 1200mm should be maintained for the entire run of the unit, worktop and/or appliance.
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| Stairs and potential through floor lift in dwelling | Enable access to storeys above the entrance level for the widest range of people | In dwellings with two or more storeys, the stairs and associated area should be adequate to enable installation of a (seated) stair lift without significant alteration or reinforcement. A clear width of 900mm would be ideal. This clear width should be measured 450mm above the pitch height. Stairlifts can be used when the staircase is narrower, however this will be dependent on the user and whether the stairs are straight (minimum 750mm) or curved (minimum 850mm) but will be subject to specific survey. If a stairlift is not a viable option, then a through floor lift can be considered. Consideration has to be given to the rooms this will affect along with access/egress from the lift. The potential aperture size for the route through the floor should be a minimum 1000mm x 1500mm - with the potential approach to the lift being to one of the shorter sides. This potential aperture area should be clear of services. |
| Bathroom | Provide an accessible bathroom that has ease of access to its facilities from the outset and potential for simple adaptation to provide for different needs in the future | An accessible bathroom should be provided in every dwelling on the same storey as a main bedroom. Ideally the room size requirement will be sufficient to accommodate a clear area for level access shower of 1200mm x 1200mm. The centre line for the WC will be a minimum of 450mm from the adjacent wall with space also available for a suitable wash hand basin. A clear turning circle area of 1500mm should be achievable within the room. The door to the bathroom should be available to open outwards. The minimum room footprint would ideally be 2100mm x 2100mm although this is not always available. Walls in all bathrooms and WC compartments should be capable of firm fixing and support for adaptations such as grab rails. |
| Location of service controls | Locate regularly used service controls, or those needed in an emergency, so that they are usable by a wide range of household members - including those with restricted movement and limited reach | Any service control needed to be operated or read on a frequent basis, or in an emergency, should be included within the height band of 450mm - 1200mm from the floor and at least 300mm away from any internal corner. For example, this would include the following: Electrical switches & sockets, TV / telephone / computer points, consumer service units, central heating thermostatic and programming controls, radiator temperature control valves, and mains water stop taps/controls |
| Potential for fitting of hoists and bedroom / bathroom | Aid with assisted living by enabling convenient movement between bedroom and bathroom facilities | Structure above ceiling finishes over a bedroom and over the bathroom should be capable of supporting, or capable of adaptation to support the future installation of single point hoists above the bed, bath and WC. The primary bedroom and bathroom should be on the same storey level. |
Last modified on 08 October 2025
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