Where the guidance in BS8300 is different to Approved Document M (AD M), is it OK to work to BS8300?

The purpose of AD M is to give guidance for some of the more common building situations. It is recognised that it is not a definitive guide and that there may well be alternative methods of meeting requirements. This means that so long as you meet with requirements you do not have to follow AD M to the letter.

BS 8300 gives guidance on good practice in the design of the approach to and domestic and non-domestic buildings. The aim being to provide environments which are easy for the less able to use.

Whilst the guidance in AD M is based on,and complementary to the BS 8300 there are some areas where guidance does vary from the standard. In these situations complying with BS8300 will not be equivilaent to compliance with the guidance in AD M; even though it will ensure good practice.

It is acceptable to work to recommendations of BS8300 where it recommends a standard higher than that specified in AD M. In circumstances where the recommendations made in AD M were made prior to BS 8300 guidance given in light of new or re-evaluated research, or they simply predate BS8300 then BS8300 may be seen as the acceptable standard.