Part M Accessibility - Building Regulations Birmingham

Housing and Building Standards England 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

Birmingham, England property owners and developers must follow Building Regulations Part M to provide access to and use of buildings for disabled people. Part M sets technical standards for entrances, door widths, wheelchair access, sanitary provision and circulation space; designers should consult the national Approved Document M for detailed dimensions and guidance. Approved Document M[1] provides the authoritative technical guidance; local approval, enforcement and completion certification are handled by Birmingham City Council Building Control.Birmingham City Council Building Control[2] Sources are current as of February 2026.

Check access dimensions at concept stage to avoid redesigns.

Overview

Part M applies to most new buildings and to material alterations affecting access and facilities. Key topics include accessible entrances and thresholds, step-free routes, door and corridor widths, accessible toilets and sanitary fittings, lifts where required, and designated parking for blue badge holders. Compliance is demonstrated by either a Full Plans submission, a Building Notice or a Regularisation application to building control; see national guidance on application types for details.Types of building control application[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Birmingham City Council enforces the Building Regulations within the city through its Building Control service. Enforcement tools are statutory and may include notices, stop notices, requirements to alter or remove non-compliant work, and prosecution in the courts for failure to comply.

Non-compliant works risk formal notices and possible court proceedings by the local authority.
  • Enforcement actions: requirement notices, correction orders, stop notices and prosecution proceedings.
  • Certification: Building Control issues a Completion Certificate when work complies with Building Regulations.
  • Reporting: report concerns to Birmingham City Council Building Control via their official contact page.Contact Building Control[2]

Fines, escalation and time limits

  • Specific fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages.
  • Escalation: first or continuing offences are handled by notices and, if not remedied, may proceed to prosecution; precise ranges and scales are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Appeals and time limits: appeals against certain notices may be made to the courts; explicit statutory time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.

Non-monetary sanctions and defences

  • Non-monetary sanctions include remedial orders, stop notices and requirements to provide access or alter works.
  • Defences and discretion: defences may include demonstrating reasonable excuse or that appropriate permissions/approvals were obtained; where relevant, approved plans or granted relaxations can be relied on.
  • Inspection and evidence: building control inspections and records are used to establish compliance or breaches.

Common violations

  • Blocked or absent step-free access to main entrances.
  • Doors and corridors narrower than specified in Approved Document M.
  • Missing or non-compliant accessible sanitary facilities.

Applications & Forms

Relevant application routes are the Full Plans submission, Building Notice and Regularisation application; fees and submission methods are set by the local authority and detailed guidance on the national application types is available from gov.uk.Application types and guidance[3]

Apply to building control before starting work to avoid costly remedial actions later.
  • Full Plans: detailed plans assessed before work begins — fee and processing times set by Birmingham City Council (see local fees on council site).
  • Building Notice: for immediate works without prior plan approval — suitable for certain types of work; consult building control first.
  • Regularisation: for works carried out without approval — application seeks retrospective certification; fees and conditions apply.

How-To

  1. Assess the project against Approved Document M requirements and record key dimensions and access routes.
  2. Decide on the appropriate building control application route (Full Plans, Building Notice or Regularisation) and prepare submissions.Guidance on application types[3]
  3. Contact Birmingham City Council Building Control early for pre-application advice and to confirm fees and submission methods.Birmingham Building Control[2]
  4. Carry out works to the approved plans, arrange inspections, and obtain a Completion Certificate when satisfied.
  5. If served with a notice, follow the remedial steps, use local appeal routes or seek legal advice on appeals to the court.

FAQ

Does Part M apply to existing buildings in Birmingham?
Part M applies when works are carried out that affect access or facilities; some duties arise on material alterations and changes of use.
Who enforces Part M in Birmingham?
Enforcement is by Birmingham City Council Building Control; contact details are on the council site.Building Control[2]
What if my work was done without approval?
Apply for Regularisation to seek retrospective certification; specific fees and prospects of success depend on the evidence and extent of non-compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • Use Approved Document M for technical specifications early in design.
  • Engage Birmingham City Council Building Control before starting works.
  • Choose the correct application route to secure lawful completion certification.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] GOV.UK - Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings
  2. [2] Birmingham City Council - Building Control
  3. [3] GOV.UK - Building control applications

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