Dorset
Accessible shop entrances in Dorset
A single step at a Dorset shop door can stop some customers coming in, so we look at the whole approach and not just the door.
A heavy closer is a common barrier, and adjusting or replacing it may be the simplest first step at your Dorset premises. Clear signs, a call bell and a visible handle are low-cost changes that help people in Dorset and across the South West use your entrance independently.
What do we offer in Dorset?
How much does it cost in Dorset?
Budget £495 to £3,495 ex VAT depending on the work. Before designing a ramp for your Dorset entrance, we check where your boundary ends, as most pavements belong to the highway or roads authority. Your written quote shows travel, access and any out-of-hours work.
Check the planning rules for Dorset
Which towns do you cover?
Common questions
Do you cover all of Dorset?
Yes. ShopFronts UK works across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorchester, Poole.
Do I need permission to put a ramp on the pavement?
Usually yes. The pavement is normally public highway, so the highway authority must agree, and a ramp beyond the property line is rarely allowed. Planning permission may also be needed, and listed buildings need consent. We check the boundary and go through the options with you.
What ramp gradient should I aim for?
A gradient of 1:12 is the steepest normally accepted, and only on short flights. In England, Approved Document M gives 1:12 for 2 m, 1:15 for 5 m and 1:20 for 10 m, and BS 8300 gives similar guidance. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own documents.
Is a shop legally required to have a ramp?
Not automatically. The Equality Act 2010 requires service providers in England, Scotland and Wales to make reasonable adjustments, and it sets no fixed ramp gradient. Northern Ireland uses the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. What counts as reasonable depends on the premises, cost and resources.
Accessible shop entrances in Dorset
One contract, written quote and a 10-year workmanship guarantee.