Can anyone clarify what the standards are in relation to private dwellings where a refurbishment is being carried out by the local council of an existing bathroom for use by a wheelchair user? Document M refers to non dwellings. Is there a difference to the requirements when the refurbishment involves an extension to the room but stays within the existing boundary, as opposed to a building extension that actually extends the building?

Hi canopener, I just had a chat with building control and they aren't really interested. Part M doesn't apply to domestic and as it is not a new building the rest of the requirements for wheelchair users don't either. I need a magician !

sadlass it's for my house and my wheelchair user daughter who already has a g floor ensuite but very small bedroom. LA want to use some of out living room to extend the bathroom then extend the bedroom into the space left behind. The cost is higher than my proposal which is a first floor extension to form a bedroom. They don't like my idea as they always utilise the available space within the existing walls of the house. It does appear that LA can do what they want?????

My own experience is that local council social services departments have their own 'specifications', which often make life difficult if you live in anything smaller than a mansion. You could try pointing out the greater cost-effectiveness of your solution, but I suspect they will be so wrapped up in their protocols, you might as well tell the nearest wall.

A Thought Will the loss of some of the living room, make the space unusable for the person with the wheelchair, so might exclude them from normal family life in some way? Can you beat them with their own rules ? Chris

Bob she can transfer to a stair lift then onto a wheelchair at the top. Some councils provide a through floor lift but not this one! The loss of living space will only affect her when she wants to watch TV as that is where she does that. There will be no space for her TV. At present there is a G floor facility that was designed 8 years ago by myself and funded on a mortgage advance because the council would not help at that time The bathroom has all facilities and includes adequate turning circle. The new scheme does not provide the turning circle. There is also the question of what she does for a bathroom while the work is ongoing, she needs the room every two and a half to three hours for catheter etc. 24/7. The council have suggested respite care for her. That means her being farmed out to a foster home or social services respite centre. How's that for a caring council? A frist floor extension would not affect the existing at all, surely that must be part of the considerations. I know of others who have had marvellous experiences with Disabled Facilities Grants but they are in other areas, I'm afraid I live in the wrong area.

Yes Bob I am aware, no chance of me moving though. I spoke with building control who agree part M does not apply to existing. Planning will be required for taking down a wall and moving a window but nothing else.