Changing Places toilet approved for Swindon shopping centre

Louise and Jessica from Mums On A Mission at the MacArthur Glen designer outlet in Rodbourne, Swindon

Disability campaigners are "thrilled" after plans to install specially adapted toilets were approved.

Swindon Borough Council approved the plans to build the Changing Places toilet in the MacArthur Glen designer outlet in Rodbourne.

Currently, the Wiltshire branch is the only one of seven MacArthur Glen locations without a specialist facility.

The conversion will not affect the historic fabric of the building.

A Changing Places toilet is larger than a standard accessible toilet and contains additional equipment, including a height-adjustable changing bench, a peninsular toilet and a ceiling hoist.

The toilet, which will be converted from a staff lavatory, will be suitable for people living with physical and learning disabilities, spinal injuries or stroke complications, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Unsanitary and undignified'

Campaign group, Mums on a Mission, which works to raise awareness and improve "essential" facilities for children with disabilities, campaigned for the facilities.

Without a Changing Places facility, parents have sometimes had to change their children lying down on the floors of ordinary toilets, which is both unsanitary and undignified, the group says.

A spokeswoman from the group said: "We're so thrilled that the plans for a Changing Places toilet at the outlet have been approved and this long-awaited scheme has moved another step closer.

"We've worked hard to raise awareness and to educate decision makers as to why the outlet needs a Changing Places toilet. 

"This new facility will mean that we can come for a proper day of shopping and can stop for lunch or dinner - just like any other family.