Taking into account Part T and Approved Document T in the design of accessible WC facilities
What does Part T of the Building Regulations change for accessible washroom design?
In short, it doesn’t replace Approved Document M. However, it does change how its principles are delivered. Designers must now balance accessibility with a clearer requirement for separate single-sex provision, while still meeting the needs of wheelchair and ambulant users.
Since its introduction in October 2024, Part T (Approved Document T: Toilet Accommodation) has added a new layer of complexity for architects, specifiers and designers. Compliance is no longer just about getting layouts and dimensions right as outlined in Doc M. It now requires a more considered approach to privacy, dignity and inclusion, particularly when designing multi-user washrooms.
Understanding the relationship between Doc M and Part T
Firstly, a little bit about how Building Regulations and the related Approved Documents work. The UK Building Regulations are split up into legally binding “parts”. The regulatory requirements stipulated in the various parts of the Building Regulations are correspondingly published by the government in “Approved Documents”. So, the requirements of Part M appear in Approved Document M and those of Part T appear in Approved Document T.
Approved Document M remains the primary guidance for accessible and inclusive design within buildings. It defines the spatial requirements, layouts and fittings needed to ensure that washrooms can be used safely and independently by people with a wide range of needs.
Part T, however, focuses specifically on how toilet accommodation is provided, particularly in non-residential buildings. Its introduction reinforces the need to:
- Provide separate male and female toilet facilities
- Integrate accessibility within those layouts
- Ensure that ambulant users are properly accommodated, not treated as an afterthought
The result is a more structured and prescriptive framework. Designers must now cross-reference both documents to achieve compliance.
Which types of buildings does Part T apply to?
Part T applies to non-residential buildings in England where toilet facilities are provided. This includes a wide range of environments such as offices, retail spaces, hospitality venues, leisure facilities, transport hubs and public buildings.
In practical terms, if a building is open to staff, customers or the general public and includes toilet provision, Part T is likely to apply. Its purpose is to ensure that these facilities are fit for purpose, inclusive and appropriately configured, regardless of the building type or level of footfall.
Why single-sex provision now matters more
One of the most significant changes introduced by Part T is the mandatory requirement for separate single-sex toilets in many settings.
This shift reflects a growing emphasis on privacy and dignity, user comfort and safety, and clear and intuitive washroom layouts. For designers, this means accessible provision can no longer rely solely on unisex or universal spaces. Instead, accessibility must be embedded within single-sex environments, while still maintaining inclusive design principles.
This is particularly relevant when considering ambulant users – those who don’t require a wheelchair but benefit from additional support such as grab rails or raised-height WCs because they have limited strength, balance or stability.
How Part T affects ambulant provision
Part T – and subsequently the guidance in Document T – places greater emphasis on how ambulant accessible toilets are delivered, aligning with while also expanding on the guidance in Doc M. It identifies multiple approaches to toilet provision, including:
- Fully enclosed ambulant universal toilets (Type A)
- Ambulant cubicles within single-sex washrooms (Type C)
This has practical implications for layout planning. In multi-cubicle washrooms, designers must ensure:
- At least one ambulant cubicle per washroom
- Appropriate grab rail configurations
- Sufficient manoeuvring space and door clearances
Solutions such as the Contour 21+ ambulant WC packs from Armitage Shanks are designed specifically to support these requirements. With raised-height WCs, integrated grab rails and compliant layouts, they simplify specification while supporting safe, independent use.
Designing for compliance and beyond
Meeting the requirements of both Documents M and T is about more than ticking boxes. It’s about creating washroom environments that work for everyone.
Key considerations include:
- Clear, compliant layouts that support wheelchair users and ambulant users alike
- Visual contrast between fittings and surfaces to aid those with visual impairments
- Ergonomic components, such as lever-operated taps and support rails
- Hygiene-focused design, including touch-free options and easy-clean materials
Armitage Shanks’ Doc M packs are developed with these principles in mind. Each pack includes not only the required components but also detailed layout guidance, helping specifiers achieve compliance with confidence.
Design-led options, such as the Silk Black Doc M collection, also demonstrate that accessibility and aesthetics can go hand in hand, supporting more contemporary interior schemes without compromising performance.
Supporting specifiers through CPD
As regulations evolve, so too does the need for clear, practical guidance.
Armitage Shanks offers a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules, designed to help architects and specifiers stay up to date with:
- Approved Document M requirements
- The impact of Part T and Approved Document T
- Best practice in accessible and inclusive washroom design
These CPDs are available through the RIBA CPD Network and IdealSpec, providing valuable, accredited learning that can be applied directly to real-world projects. Find the links at the end.
Take the next step
For a more detailed look at compliant layouts, product specifications and design guidance, download the Armitage Shanks Doc M brochure here.
To deepen your understanding, book a CPD session via the RIBA CPD Providers Network or IdealSpec platform and explore how evolving regulations are shaping the future of accessible washroom design.
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