Library could get changing facilities through extension plan

The application, submitted on behalf of Norfolk County Council, details plans to build the facilities as an extension to Dereham's library - specifically a Changing Places toilet.

Changing Places Consortium is a group of organisations and individuals advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and rallying for Changing Places toilets to be installed in public spaces.

There is currently only one Changing Places toilet in Dereham on the southern outskirts of the town.

The library is located on High Street in Dereham. (Image: Google Maps)

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In the application, Hannah Wooller, from Matter of Place Architects, said on behalf of NCC: "The new Changing Places toilet will provide a safe and dignified facility for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well other disabilities that severely limit mobility and cannot use standard accessible toilets."

She said: "The proposed Changing Places toilet will be accommodated in a new extension to the north side of the library, which will be built around and inclusive of an existing half circle decorative alcove in the north elevation.

The facility will be accessible to the public from outside the library. 

If approved, the extension will be found on the alleyway between the public car park and the high street.

If the plans are approved, the extension will be built in the alleyway alongside the library. (Image: Matter of Place Architects CIC)
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Ms Wooller said the alleyway has secure gates on either end that are closed when the library is closed. 

She said: "Therefore, they will only be accessible during library opening hours."

Norfolk County Council built Dereham's library in 2005 and plans for the extension have already received support from Dereham Town Council.