NFAFA members attended a Buildings Audit training session on March 2nd. to update their knowledge and skills.  NFAFA is regularly asked for advice about access issues.   We do access audits of buildings, for which we charge a very reasonable fee.  The session at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst, was organised by Helena Renwick and Sonia Masterman from New Forest District Council, NFDC.

Speakers:  John Brian, Building Control Manager, NFDC
                 David Groom, Development Control Manager, NFDC
                 Helena Renwick, NFDC Equalities Manager, NFDC.

John gave a clear and interesting presentation about Part M building regulations and the accompanying guidance documents.  The Part M regulations cover access to buildings.  These regulations apply to all new building works, and owners or service providers must make ‘reasonable provision’ to conform with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements.

If Part M regulations are followed, the building will be considered DDA compliant.  Any alterations to premises, which do not conform to Part M regulations, must be challenged within two years.  After that, the regulation cannot be enforced.
Other topics discussed included new regulations for disabled parking bays and step design standards.

David gave us an interesting overview of some of the access issues in areas surrounding new developments.

Mid-morning, we were joined by Jeremy Rickard, Operations Manager, Leisure Centres, and Steve Davies, planning.officer, to discuss the LYMINGTON LEISURE CENTRE .  NFAFA  members were shown detailed floor plans of the proposed refurbishment, and materials to be used on floors and walls.  We were asked for our comments and a lively discussion followed.  

 Helena’s talk was ‘How to do a building audit’.  She explained how the DDA requirements fit in with planning and building regulations.   The DDA (2005) places a legal duty on service providers to remove, avoid or otherwise overcome access problems.  She commented that audits help to raise the profile of access issues in the business community.

It was a very good morning.  We all came away feeling a little wiser and more knowledgeable.  We are very grateful to NFDC and particularly Helena and Sonia for organising such a useful event.