Disabled Access

[Spuggy]

Hi All,

The front door to our house has always been too close to an inside step which prevents the front door opening fully into the house (less than 90 degrees).

I'd like to build a small enclosed porch to enable me to move the front door away from this obstruction and allow my Mum to be able to get in and out of our house without having to struggle anymore. She is registered disabled, but not resident at our house.

I think I will need planning permission because of the relocation of the front door and my inability to get the footprint any smaller than 3.4m2 (due to existing obstructions).

Regarding planning permission, my local council states on their website: There is no fee for alterations or extensions to a dwelling for the benefit of a registered disabled person.

Am I right in thinking I can submit my plans for nothing, as there is no specific reference to my Mum actually having to live in my house?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Paul.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It would be looked upon on a case by case basis. When you submit your application you should accompany it with a letter justifying why it should be exempt from a fee. So explain why you are adding the porch that you would only be doing this for purely for the sake of your mother. It may be advantageous to get her doctor to write a letter also just briefly summarising her disability and stating that when she visits you access is currently difficult and that this could be alleviated by the porch. They either will or will not allow an exemption. Inevitably it may be more difficult for your to justify than if your mother was resident.

 

[Spuggy]

Thanks for the advice Freddymercurystwin.

Very helpful and much appreciated.

Cheers, Paul.

 

[AndrewDavie]

Have you thought about a thinner door so that it won't hit the step?
May be cheaper than an extension (if that's the sole reason you want the extension.)

 

[Spuggy]

Have you thought about a thinner door so that it won't hit the step?
May be cheaper than an extension (if that's the sole reason you want the extension.)

I think the previous owners had that idea as the existing front door opening is only 740mm (and still not able to open 90 degrees!). Any smaller would be impractical. At least if I move the opening away from the internal step I can build in a wider.

Cheers, Paul