So what's the confusion about, you ask? Well, it all has to do with the odd configuration of the new premises we're trying to fit-out. The space is kinda weird and the soil piping (waste mains) is like smack in the middle of the floor, almost directly opposite from the main door. That means the WC has to go right there. We contemplated putting the WC at the back of the shop but after hearing from various contractors and reading online the amount of pain that macerators - a special pump - can cause in terms of noise and being prone to breaking down, we jettisoned that idea. Putting the WC centre stage creates its own separate set of problems, including health safety issues, the amount of space a disabled WC will need, and basically losing half the floor space and ending up with an unsightly visual 'wall' in the middle of the unit just as you enter...
So, in an attempt to get to the bottom of things, we contacted Southwark Planning last week. Put the number on redial because it was busy. About an hour later, got through. This is how the conversation went:
Me: Hi, can you give me some set guidelines about installing a toilet in a commercial space? It's a bookshop with only an ancillary cafe, so will seat a maximum of about 18 people. Like, does it have to be a customer toilet? And does this toilet have to be a disabled WC?
SP: Hmm. I've never been asked that question before. Hmm... let me see. [Pause] Uhm, no... [Pause] You know, I can't tell you exactly... [Pause] No. I think it's best you call the Duty Planner, but he's only on from 1pm to 4pm today.
Me: Oh, okay. I'll give him a call then.
One eye on the clock. Come 1pm, start dialling. And dialling. About half hour later.
Me: Hello... [same query as above]
DP: That's not a question for planning. You should talk to Environmental Health.
Me: Oh, okay... Thank you. Bye.
Passed the buck. Asked Shivaun to track down Southwark Council Environmental Health. She ends up leaving a message. To the council's credit, got a call back today. Shivaun has a chat with a nice man named John, and comes back with the following info:
1) A toilet for customers is not required as the number of cafe patrons will be small
2) A disabled toilet for staff is recommended, but not compulsory
3) There is no set minimum dimensions for a staff toilet
4) The toilet door must not open directly into the room where food is served
We are elated. We set about reimagining the staff toilet and discuss this with our builder. This route will save us space and we can create an enclosed space so that the toilet door does not open into the retail floor area. See below - left: with disabled WC, right: with staff toilet only
The disabled WC on the left will have to be at least 3.2m (that's about 11 feet) in length and 1.5m (5 ft) in width, while a staff toilet means that this will require only 2.4m (8 ft) x 1.4m (4 ft 8 inches).