• Permanent wheelchair ramps require planning permission. These are generally concrete ramps which are installed on a long-term basis and cannot easily be removed. You may also require planning permission if the ramp is being installed on a listed building or conservation area.
• If you require a permanent wheelchair ramp, you will need to comply to Part M (access) and Part K (safety) regulations. The access ramp will need a platform, handrails and a minimum gradient of 1:12.

• In most cases, planning permission is not required for wheelchair ramps, particularly when they are used at domestic properties or installed on private land. For example, folding wheelchair ramps, rubber threshold ramps, and our wheelchair ramp kits with handrails are all considered portable access solutions, so planning permission is not needed.
• Our modular wheelchair ramp kits, which may remain in place for several months or even years, also typically do not require planning permission. These systems are classed as ‘semi-permanent’ rather than permanent structures because they are modular in design and can be installed or removed as required. As they are not physically fixed to or altering the property, they are generally exempt from planning permission requirements.

As portable and semi-permanent wheelchair ramps generally do not require planning permission, they also do not need to comply with the same strict building regulations as permanent structures. This makes them a far more practical and cost-effective accessibility solution for many homes and businesses.

Another key advantage is that temporary ramp systems are often much easier to fit within the space available. Permanent wheelchair ramps that comply with building regulations are typically required to have a gradient between 1:12 and 1:20, depending on the rise and location. In many UK properties, achieving this gradient simply is not practical due to limited outdoor space. Even where space is available, a compliant permanent ramp can occupy a significant portion of the garden or driveway.

Temporary wheelchair ramps are not currently subject to the same gradient regulations, allowing for shorter and more flexible ramp solutions. From our experience, we generally recommend a minimum gradient of 1:6 for assisted wheelchairs and 1:8 for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. By accepting a steeper gradient where appropriate, many more wheelchair users are able to gain safe access to their property — often making the difference between maintaining independence and becoming housebound. To identify the ramp length you require, use our handy ramp length calculator.

A further benefit of temporary wheelchair ramps is their much shorter lead time. Homes and businesses can often be made accessible within days rather than months. This is particularly important for individuals returning home from hospital, where immediate accessibility can be essential. In many cases, a temporary ramp solution can provide a vital lifeline when time is critical.

Although temporary ramps do not require planning permission, if the ramp will be going out onto a public pavement or street it is recommended you speak to your local council prior. In some instances permission will need to be secured as a ramp can be seen as a trip hazard. Liability insurance may also be required.

In many instances, depending on the property, it can be possible to avoid the ramp going out onto a street by using a platform and wheelchair ramp to create an L shaped design where there is not space for a straight ramp, we suggest speaking to our team for guidance around this.

Still need assistance? Our team is available throughout the week to help via phone, email, live chat or WhatsApp. If you’d rather we call you, you can easily request a callback here.