Policy S6 — Public toilets

Policy S6 Public toilets A Large-scale developments [92] that are open to the public, and large areas of public realm, should provide and secure the future management of: 1) free publicly-accessible toilets suitable for a range of users including disabled people, families with young children and people of all gender identities; and 2) free ‘Changing Places’ toilets designed in accordance with the guidance in British Standard BS8300-2:2018. These should be available during opening hours, or 24 hours a day where accessed from areas of public realm. 5.6.1 Public toilets are a vital facility , both for Londoners and visitors to the city. They are especially important for certain groups including disabled people, older people, people with babies and young children and pregnant women, as well as tourists and visitors who may be less familiar with their surroundings. Public toilets can support businesses in boosting customer footfall, by giving people more confidence to move around the city and spend more time in a place or space, as well as helping to keep London clean. 5.6.2 Public toilets should be provided as part of large-scale developments that are open to the public, such as shops, sport, leisure and health care facilities, transport hubs, cultural and civic buildings and large areas of public realm. Boroughs should define ‘large-scale’ for their local circumstances. Where no local definition is given, ‘large-scale’ should be taken to mean developments that come under Category 1B, Part 1 of The Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008. 5.6.3 In smaller developments , and subject to local evidence and Development Plan policy, boroughs may secure access to toilet facilities as part of a community toilet scheme, or secure provision of public toilets through CIL or planning obligations. 5.6.4 Taking into account the needs of all Londoners, and to provide suitable levels of choice, a range of toilet facilities should be provided. They should include unisex disabled persons’ toilets, separate accessible baby change/family toilets, and cubicles for people with ambulant mobility impairments which can also be suitable for some older people or people who require additional space. Further guidance on the provision and design of these facilities can be found in British Standard BS8300-2:2018 (Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment, Part 2: Buildings – Code of practice). Where gender-specific toilets are provided, a gender-neutral option should also be provided wherever possible (in addition to unisex disabled persons toilets). Consideration should be given to the capacity of facilities in order to minimise queuing, particularly where female gender-specific toilets are provided. Further guidance for determining the number of toilets needed in a location can be found in British Standard BS6465-4:2010 Sanitary installations Part 4: Code of practice for the provision of public toilets. 5.6.5 Public toilets which are open 24 hours can be of great benefit to people accessing London’s night-time economy. These, whether permanent or temporary, should provide facilities which can be used by disabled people and people of all genders. 5.6.6 Public toilet facilities, whether provided inside buildings or externally, should be safe, well-lit and clean. Surveillance of entrances is an important consideration when planning facilities. Ongoing management and cleaning of facilities should be secured and agreed at the planning stage to ensure long-term provision is achievable. 5.6.7 Standard wheelchair accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all disabled people. People with profound and multiple impairments, learning disabilities, and other impairments such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or acquired brain injury, often need extra facilities to allow them to use a toilet comfortably. Changing Places toilets are different to standard accessible toilets as they are designed for assisted use, are larger, and have additional features. Without Changing Places toilets many people are limited in terms of how long they can be away from home, or where they can go. The provision of Changing Places toilets can open up new areas and experiences for people with profound and multiple impairments, and their companions, removing the barrier that the lack of provision can create. 5.6.8 Further guidance on the design of Changing Places toilets can be found in British Standard BS8300-2:2018. Changing Places toilets are not designed for independent use and should be provided in addition to standard unisex disabled persons’ toilets, baby change and family facilities, not as a substitution.London Plan Policy S6 · official source →