Form and Profile

Plan and Layout

Accessibility

Elevation and Proportion

Balconies and Terraces

Materials and Detail

Boundaries, Servicing and Plant

Car and Bicycle Parking

Apartments

Accessibility

Introduction

Trafford follows the social model of disability which holds that people with impairments are ‘disabled’ by the barriers operating in society, including physical barriers linked to the physical and built environment. The delivery of safe and inclusive places is one of the key components to delivering good design and provides an opportunity to bring people together, promote sociability, good health and a sense of community.

 

The Design Code seeks to improve accessibility in all new development and ensure that all individuals have equal access, opportunity and dignity in the use of the built environment within Trafford.

Features of apartment accessibility

  • Accessible parking bays should be provided in close proximity to the main entrance, with a level or gentle approach to the building.
  • All units must be accessible.
  • The minimum width for all paths, corridors and decks used for communal access must be 5m.
  • Communal landscaped areas or terraces must be fully accessible.

 

AA 1

Accessibility standards

AA 2

Accessible external areas

Basic principles of accessible approach to entrance

Footway width

Footways are at least 900mm wide

Forward slope

The approach route is level or gently sloped, no steeper than 1:60

Cross-fall slope

Maximum cross fall of 1:40 on footways

Ramps

If ramps are required they should be designed in line with building regulations

Gate width

All gates or openings on footways are at least 900mm in width

External stairs

No steps or stairways on approach to house whenever possible

Single steps

No single steps that can cause falls or access issues on footways

Surface material

All surfaces are firm, durable and slip resistant. Avoid loose materials. 

For full requirements please refer to:

AA 3

Accessible parking

Basic principles of accessible parking

Provision of disabled parking

Parking bay designated for disabled people must be provided on firm level ground as close as feasible to the principal entrance of the building.

Dimensions of parking bay

The dimensions of designated parking bay should be at least 2.4m wide and 4.8m long to centre lines of markings.

Access zones

A 1.2m access zone between, and a 1.2m safety zone on the vehicular side of the parking bays and end of parking bay.

Access to pedestrian route

Access zone has a dropped kerb when there is a pedestrian route at the other side of the parking bay.

For full requirements please refer to:

AA 4

Accessible lifts

Basic principles of an accessible lifts

Lift sign

The wheelchair lift is clearly signed at building entrances and on each floor

Lift dimensions

The minimum dimensions of the lift cars are 1100mm and 1400mm deep.

Mirror for small lifts

For lifts of a size that does not allow a wheelchair user to turn around within the lift car, a mirror is provided in the lift car to enable a wheelchair user to see the space behind the wheelchair

Doorway width

Power-operated horizontal sliding doors provide an effective clear width of at least 800mm

Timing devices

Doors are fitted with timing devices and re-opening activators to allow adequate time for people and any assistance dogs to leave

Position of controls

Car controls are located between 900mm and 1200mm (preferably 1100mm) from the car floor and at least 400mm from any return wall.

Position of call buttons

Landing call buttons are located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor of the landing and at least 500mm from any return wall

Visual contrast of doors

Lift landing and car doors are distinguishable visually from the adjoining walls.

Audible and visual alert

Audible and visual indication of lift arrival and location is provided in the lift car and the lift lobby.

Identifiable glass

Car controls are located between 900mm and 1200mm (preferably 1100mm) from the car floor and at least 400mm from any return wall.

Raised buttons

The landing call button symbols, where provided, and lifting device control button symbols are raised to facilitate tactile reading.

Visual contrast buttons

All call and control buttons contrast visually with the surrounding face plate, and the face plate similarly contrasts with the surface on which it is mounted.

For full requirements please refer to:

Permeable paving options