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Aylesford Doubleday House

Highway Engineering, Services Depot, St Michael's Close, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7BU

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • This is Kent County Council's Highways Department Office.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: offices, meeting rooms, toilets with adaptations, ambulant and standard toilets.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors.
    • The ground, first and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is no hearing assistance system.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: large print (on request).
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: phone charging points and Wi-Fi.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located to the right of the building on all floors.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the standard male and female toilets on all floors.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located to the right of the building on all floors.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The shower facilities which have adaptations are located within the toilet with adaptations on the ground floor.
    • Standard shower facilities are located within the standard male and female toilets on the ground floor.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located all around the building, off St Michael's Close.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and block paving.
    • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 256cm (width) x 508cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 129cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 4m from the main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 2 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 256cm (width) x 508cm (depth).
    • The controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The charging points require an app.
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
    • EV owners are required to bring their own charging cables in order to use the charging points. The sockets are 108cm high.
      The EV charging unit was still being installed when surveyed (September 2024).
      The EV charging bays are former Blue Badge bays, and still have hatched zones on both sides and at the rear, although anyone with an EV can now park there. The nearest bay is approximately 27 metres from the main entrance.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building, leading in from the car park.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 97cm.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 99cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 190cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors, however one door is locked or bolted.
  • The locked door can be opened on request .
  • The second door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 98cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 115cm.
  • Both the intercom and key fob/card reader are on the second set of doors.
    There is also an alternative intercom at a height of 158cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception

  • The reception is located immediately to the right as you pass through the second set of doors at the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 2m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 115cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
  • The reception has a television.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 90cm to 101cm from the floor.
  • The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: a screen reader.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, riser recliner chairs, sofas, stools and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and high tables.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors.
  • There is deep pile carpet in some areas.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas, riser recliner chairs, stools and high stools.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided in some places, however, it is intermittent and inconsistent.
    There are open-plan office areas located on all floors. These contain height-adjustable desks with computers, along with standard and high meeting tables at heights of 74cm and 105cm, and clear underside spaces of 73cm and 102cm respectively. Both have stools for seating.
    All floors also contain kitchenettes equipped with microwaves, fridge freezers, dishwashers and water dispensers (including boiling water taps). Worktops are 85cm high.

Room (Meeting Room GH)

  • The room is located to the left and straight ahead through the open-plan office space on the ground floor.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 30m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring consists of deep pile carpet.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and riser recliner chairs.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm and a television with subtitles.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There are an additional two meeting rooms: Meeting Room GA and Meeting Room GB, which are located along the corridor to the right beyond the reception desk.
    These have very similar specifications to Meeting Room GH. There is a folding partition wall between these two rooms, meaning they can be set up as two small meeting rooms or one large meeting room.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located along the corridor to the right beyond the reception desk.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 15m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 237cm (width) x 245cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 139cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 116cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 106cm and 169cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • There are 4 coat hooks; one at a height of 106cm, one at 138cm, and two at 169cm high. The lower two coat hooks are partially obstructed by a radiator and a vertical grab rail.

Shower with Adaptations (Ground Floor Toilet with Adaptations)

  • Location and Access View
    • The shower surveyed is located within the ground floor toilet with adaptations.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 46cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
    • A fixed shower head at a height of 190cm and a privacy curtain are also available.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located straight ahead through the door beyond reception.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • Floors G, 1 and 2 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a medium visual contrast and tactile markings.
  • None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 88cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 141cm (width) x 101cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Internally the lift has: a seat, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • The lift seat is 46cm from the floor.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The external lift control buttons are located on the wall opposite the lift door.

Stairs (Main)

  • The stairs surveyed are located straight ahead through the door beyond reception.
  • Floors G, 1 and 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 18 steps between floors.
  • The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs (Left of Building)

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the left, through the open-plan office as you pass through the main entrance.
  • Floors G, 1 and 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 18 steps between floors.
  • The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Meeting Room - Quiet Room 1)

  • The room is located diagonally to the left as you exit the main stairwell/lift lobby on the second floor.
  • The distance from the lift is 13m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring consists of deep pile carpet.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is an additional meeting room immediately adjacent to this one: Quiet Room 2 which has identical specifications.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left and left again as you exit the lift lobby/main stairwell on the first floor.
    • The distance from the lift is 12m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 222cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 92cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 122cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 101cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 106cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • There is also an identical facility to this one on the second floor.