The government is to review Part M of the Building Regulations on access to buildings with the intention of introducing the Lifetime Homes standard, a standard which itself could be updated. Possible changes include: Stairs designed to take a stair lift at a later stage Ground floor bedroom/WC Ground floor space for installation of a shower if required. The proposals were outlined today (Wednesday March 10) by Building Regulations minister Phil Hope who was giving evidence at an ODPM Select Committee hearing. Hope said: "The accent is on accessibility and design features that make the home flexible enough to meet whatever comes along in life. "This means homes which can be easily adapted to accommodate changes in lifestyle like a teenager with a broken leg, a family member with serious illness, or parents carrying in heavy shopping and dealing with a pushchair. "There will be financial benefits too from reduced expenditure on adaptations or moving people into residential care and further possible savings in health care and re-housing costs." The review will consider whether the Lifetime Home standards themselves are in need of updating to reflect the recommendations of British Standard BS 8300. The ODPM says the new standards could …