A certificate granted by a building control authority which certifies compliance, at design stage of non–domestic buildings and apartment blocks, with the requirements of Part M of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations 1997 to 2009. With the exception of houses and certain agricultural buildings, a Disability Access Certificate is required for all new non-domestic buildings (including apartments and flats), material alterations and extensions to buildings and certain changes of use.

design includes the preparation of plans, particulars, drawings, specifications, calculations and other expressions of purpose according to which the construction, extension, alteration, repair or renewal concerned is to be executed and “designed” shall be construed accordingly.

“Design Certifier” means the competent, registered professional person who has been commissioned by the Building Owner to design, in conjunction with others, the building or works described in the relevant Commencement Notice (or 7 Day Notice), and to certify such design is in compliance with the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations insofar as they apply to the building or works concerned, and who confirms that the documentation included in the schedule to the Commencement Notice (or 7 Day Notice) which has been prepared by him/ her, other members of the design team and specialist designers whose design activities he/ she has coordinated, has been prepared to demonstrate such compliance.