Approved Document T is statutory guidance supporting Requirement T1 of Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 2010. It defines standards for toilet accommodation in non‑domestic buildings, including layout, privacy levels, and the provision of universal, accessible, and single‑sex facilities.
Introduced in stages, the guidance took effect from 1 October 2024, with clarified rules and minor amendments issued through 2025.
Public and industry feedback highlighted rising concerns around:
Document T was developed to protect privacy, strengthen accessibility, and offer clear, consistent design requirements across England’s non‑domestic sectors.
Approved Document T applies to “building work” in non‑domestic buildings, including:
Exemptions
Document T does not apply to:
Document T defines four toilet types, each with differing privacy and accessibility levels:
Type A - Fully Enclosed, Self‑Contained Ambulant Universal Toilet
Often referred to as “superloos”, these include enhanced accessibility features.
Type B - Fully Enclosed, Self‑Contained Universal Toilet
Private, individual-use facilities without the enhanced accessibility of Type A.
Type C - Ambulant Single‑Sex Toilet Cubicle
Non-self-contained cubicles within a larger gendered washroom.
Type D - Standard Single‑Sex Toilet Cubicle
Standard cubicle provision within male or female washrooms.
The guidance is clear:
This reinforces privacy, safety, and dignity - particularly in high‑traffic public or commercial settings.
Document T includes prescriptive guidance around:
Privacy & Enclosure
All universal toilets (Type A & B) must be fully enclosed with:
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Document T complements Approved Document M, ensuring facilities are accessible and inclusive.
Where space allows, designers should integrate facilities for varying user needs - including ambulant users, wheelchair users (via Document M), and those requiring Changing Places facilities (where applicable).
Minimum Provision Requirements
Document T details the quantity and configuration of facilities required relative to building purpose and occupancy load.
If a building control application was submitted before 1 October 2024, Document T may not apply - provided the project is sufficiently progressed by defined deadlines.
“Sufficiently progressed” includes:
This is crucial when planning washroom refurbishments or phased rollouts.
Document T now necessitates:
Market demand for “superloo” layouts continues to rise, and Document T aligns closely with this trend.
Relying solely on unisex facilities is no longer compliant in most scenarios.
Facilities must reflect the needs of diverse users and comply with multiple regulatory documents.
Because Document T affects spatial configuration and mechanical requirements, decisions must be made earlier in the design process.
Document T marks a major shift in UK washroom design standards, requiring more thoughtful, privacy‑centred, and inclusive approaches. Understanding the new typologies, transitional rules, and design expectations is essential for delivering compliant, high‑performance washroom environments.
Fitzroy of London will continue helping designers, developers, and architects deliver spaces that exceed both regulatory and aesthetic expectations.
As specialists in premium washroom furniture and architectural hardware, Fitzroy of London is ideally placed to ensure Document T compliance through:
If your upcoming project requires support interpreting Document T or designing compliant washroom environments, our technical team is ready to assist.
Whether you’re an architect, designer, manager, specifier or interior designer, book your CPD with us today to explore how high-end design and accessibility can coexist to create beautiful, functional and inclusive washroom spaces.
Where: Online or face-to-face
When: Whenever works for you
Duration: 60 – 90 minutes
Contact us today to learn more or book your CPD session.