The bathroom should be designed to incorporate ease of access to the bath, WC and wash basin.

Stated specifications and dimensions required to meet criterion

Although there is not a requirement for a turning circle in bathrooms, sufficient space should be provided so that a wheelchair user can use the bathroom.

Frequently asked questions - Criterion 14

Q Does this requirement have to relate to all bathrooms and en-suites within the dwelling?

A As a minimum requirement, this Criterion relates to a bathroom on the same storey level as a main bedroom. In dwellings with two or more storeys the bathroom referred to in this criterion should either be on the entrance level (along with a main bedroom) or (more typically) on a storey with potential access from the potential through floor lift.

Q What access is required to the WC in the bathroom?

A Where the dwelling has the fully accessible WC required by Criterion 10a elsewhere (or the Part M WC in dwellings with two or more storeys and two or less bedrooms), then the bathroom catering for this criterion need only have an ‘ease of access’ WC. An ‘ease of access’ WC should have a clear space of minimum width 700mm to one side of the WC bowl (but not necessarily the cistern) and a clear 1100mm to the front of the WC. See Figures 6 and 7.

In flats and bungalows, where the fully accessible WC required on the entrance level by Criterion 10a is not provided elsewhere, it should be incorporated within the bathroom (this would therefore apply to all flats / bungalows with only one WC). See Figures 4, 8 and 9.

Q Is the drainage on the entrance level for a future accessible shower required by Criterion 10b required in the bathroom of a flat, and if so what form should it take?

A In flats and bungalows, where the drainage for a future accessible shower required by Criterion 10b is not provided elsewhere, it should be incorporated within the bathroom. This can be provided by one of the following options:

• Providing a level floor gulley with slight falls in the floor i.e. providing a ‘wet room’ arrangement.

• Providing a capped off floor gulley under the bath, and a screed depth sufficient to provided the required falls as part of the future bath removal / provision of accessible shower adaptation.

• Removal of bath and provision of proprietary accessible shower tray (and pumped drainage where required). Ensuring sufficient space will be available to approach and access shower tray.

Q What space is required around the wash basin and bath?

A The wash basin should have a clear 1100mm to the front, measured from the front edge of the pedestal / basin housing. See Figure 10. Baths should have a clear space of at least 1100mm along one side.

Q Can these ‘ease of access’ facilities be provided in an en-suite?

A The bathroom referred to in this criterion can be an en-suite bathroom as long as the adjoining bedroom is a main bedroom, contains the potential arrival point of the through floor lift, and the other requirements listed above are met.

Q Is a turning circle required in the bathroom?

A A turning circle is not expected within the original configuration of a Lifetime Home bathroom unless a fully accessible floor level shower in lieu of a bath is provided from the outset.

Additional good practice recommendations

(i) Provide these bathroom facilities / spatial accessibility considerations in all bathrooms and en-suites in addition to a main bathroom.

(ii) Ensure the accessibility arrangements required by this Criterion are not limited to an en-suite bathroom.