Quick Answers
No Planning Clearance Needed: Building a stairlift inside an existing home generally does not require planning clearance, ensuring easy installation without compromising structural integrity.
Planning Application for Platform Lifts: While stairlifts usually don’t need planning permission, a planning application may be necessary for installing platform lifts, emphasizing the importance of checking local regulations.
Listed Building Consent: Homes with a grade listing require Listed Building Consent before making material changes, ensuring preservation of historical and aesthetic value; contacting local authorities is advisable.
No planning clearance is required to build an indoor stairlift inside an existing home. Always check with your local government before making any outside home renovations. Here are some of the Building regulations for stairlifts.
Building Regulations For Stairlifts Key Points:
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Planning Clearance | Not required for a stairlift |
| Planning Application | Required for a platform lift |
| Listed Building Consent | Required before making material changes |
| Minimum Stair Width | 850mm required in newly constructed residences for future stairlift installation |
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Stairlift?
Since a stairlift shouldn’t compromise the structural integrity of your house or place of business, you won’t require planning clearance. Contemporary stairlift installation procedures ensure the stairlift track is firmly secured to the floor. You may need to submit a planning application to build a platform lift.
Installing Stairlifts Into Grade Listed Homes
Building limitations are in place to protect the historical importance and aesthetic value of properties with a grade listing. You must apply for Listed Building Consent to your local authority before making any improvements considered “material changes.” Therefore, getting in touch with them first is often advisable. It is not unheard of since elevators are a common feature of many grade-listed and historic buildings, including churches and museums.
Building Specifications And Rules
The 2015 Building Regulations’ Part M covers home and commercial building access. To accommodate the installation of a stairlift in the future, it is required that stairs in newly constructed residences have a minimum width of 850mm.
*Disclaimer – Always check with your local council website and see the rules they have regarding your home. If in doubt, consult an expert first who can evaluate your situation on an individual basis
