This document covers the requirements for access to and the use of new buildings, including dwellings, for everyone. It also includes access and sanitary conveniences to extensions of buildings other than dwellings. The document includes many useful diagrams on how to show compliance with the regulations, along with details on Access Statements.
Approved Document M – Volume 2
2015 edition incorporating 2020 and 2024 amendments: Valid from 1 October 2024
PDF file: 1.55 MB, 74 pages
The requirements in this edition of Approved Document M – Volume 2 are as follows:
M1 – Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings
Reasonable provision shall be made for people to –
(a) gain access to; and
(b) use, the dwelling and its facilities.
Limits on application
Requirement M1 does not apply to any part of a building which is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected, repaired or maintained.
M2 – Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings
Suitable independent access shall be provided to the extension where reasonably practicable.
Limits on application
Requirement M2 does not apply where suitable access to the extension is provided through the building that is extended.
M3 – Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings
If sanitary conveniences are provided in any building that is to be extended, reasonable provision shall be made within the extension for sanitary conveniences.
Limits on application
Requirement M3 does not apply where there is reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences elsewhere in the building, such that people occupied in, or otherwise having occasion to enter the extension, can gain access to and use those sanitary conveniences.
Archived copies of Approved Document M
May 2024 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 1 October 2024
PDF file: 156 KB, 8 pages
Approved Document M – Volume 2 – 2015 edition incorporating 2020 amendments
Valid from 1 January 2021 until 1 October 2024
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 – Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings
M2 – Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M3 – Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings
PDF file: 1.47 MB, 74 pages
July 2020 corrections to the Approved Documents
Valid from 1 January 2021 until 1 October 2024
PDF file: 101 KB, 4 pages
Approved Document M – Volume 2 – 2015 edition
Valid from 1 October 2015 until 1 January 2021
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 – Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings
M2 – Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M3 – Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings
PDF file: 1.89 MB, 74 pages
Approved Document M – 2004 edition incorporating 2010 and 2013 amendments
Valid from 6 April 2013 until 1 October 2015
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 – Access and use
M2 – Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M3 – Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M4 – Sanitary conveniences in dwellings
PDF file: 5.85 MB, 36 pages
2013 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 6 April 2013 until 1 October 2015
PDF file: 478 KB, 54 pages
Approved Document M – 2004 edition incorporating 2010 amendments
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2013
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 – Access and use
M2 – Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M3 – Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M4 – Sanitary conveniences in dwellings
PDF file: 4.42 MB, 87 pages
2010 Amendments to the Approved Documents and Compliance Guides
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2013
PDF file: 124 KB, 4 pages
Approved Document M – 2004 edition
Valid from 1 May 2004 until 1 October 2010
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 – Access and use
M2 – Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M3 – Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings
M4 – Sanitary conveniences in dwellings
PDF file: 2.20 MB, 85 pages
Approved Document M – 1999 edition
Valid from 25 October 1999 until 1 May 2004
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 – Interpretation
M2 – Access and use
M3 – Sanitary conveniences
M4 – Audience or spectator seating
PDF file: 5.85 MB, 36 pages
Approved Document M – 1992 edition
Valid from 1 June 1992 until 25 October 1999
The requirements in this edition were:
M1 – Interpretation
M2 – Access and use
M3 – Sanitary conveniences
M4 – Audience or spectator seating
No download currently available
Approved Document M – 1987 edition
Valid from November 1987 until 1 June 1992
The requirements in this edition were:
M2 – Means of access
M3 – Sanitary conveniences
M4 – Audience or spectator seating
No download currently available