The DoE undertook consultation in 1995 on possible revisions to the Approved Document to which RNIB responded. There has been no action undertaken on this consultation.
Inaccessible housing presents a fundamental barrier to blind and partially sighted people.
RNIB believes that appropriate housing is a basic human need and that visually impaired people should not be denied access to the general housing market that enables them to live independently in an inclusive society. Response Questionnaire Q1. Do you agree, given the background, that the transitional provisions for the Part M amendment regulations should adopt a different approach from those contained in reg. Therefore we strongly support the transitional arrangements which would prevent applications with the sole purpose of escaping inclusion within Part M of the Building Regulations. RNIB is reassured that DETR have sought to close this potential loophole by only exempting from the provisions those who submit detailed plans for new developments before August 1999 or are built in accordance with an approved Inspector's plans certificate accepted before the coming into force date.