An access appraisal is a review of drawings to assess the proposed access provisions for a new build or alteration to a building or environment. The overall approach to the appraisal is the same as an audit in that the same level of information is required however a site visit may not be possible or if looking at an alteration of use or an extension very brief.
An appraisal involves examining the drawings and identifying potential access issues in relation to Part M of the Building Regulations, requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 as well as the best practice design criteria in BS8300:2001.
As with an access audit the findings are then provided in a detailed report with recommendations allowing the design team to improve the scheme to include an accessible layout. Priorities and costings are often not required as part of an appraisal.
The Embleton Consultancy has completed several Access Appraisals to date.