Disabled access to a fuse versus non fashionable location?!

[weatherwitch]

I have a question about plugs behind a freestanding washing machine and lack of disabled access to the plug/fuse. It's going to be a fitted kitchen and is currently bare walls with No integrated or hidden appliances just standard free standing appliances. In the case of the washing machine, worktop over, ends each side and the machine simply shoved into place, the usual thing. The builder insists on the plug going into a socket they've just fitted which will be Behind the washing machine once pushed into place. There is an on/off switch to control this newly fitted above where the worktop will be. I am deeply unhappy about this,did not ask or agree to this. I feel it's detrimental to my independence and my future pocket.
As a disabled person I feel extremely unhappy because if the fuse blows in the plug at the top I can fix it for free myself. If the fuse blows in the plug Behind the washing machine I have to pay for someone to sort it including call out fee, pulling the machine out and back in again, plus their time, plus potentially wait days for someone as I don't have anyone to do that for me. To me it's crackers. The reason he gave was that they can't cut holes in the worktops. (I can't wait to see how he fits the sink and pipes for the taps then!). Another reason he then gave is that it's not Fashion! I want accessibility I'm not interested in fashion! Obviously I get that the override switch is the on/off but it's beyond insane that the plug behind the machine means a simple fuse change has to become a full on call out.
The fire brigade also request people fully unplug appliances when not in use, something I have always done so I have that unhappy niggle too.
So I'm asking here, what do you experts here think? Or do you have any different ideas about its wiring in circumstances like mine? Many thanks for any answers

 

[Toneyz]

I put the sockets where the client requests, personally I hate the look of spurs or switches above a worktop and will fit to accommodate, there is no reason why the socket outlet feeding the appliance cannot be put in an adjacent cupboard where you can get to it. The only down side to this is that somewhere in that cupboard they will need to cut a suitable sized hole to get the plug through. I normally do this quite high up so out of sight, hope this helps. The thrust of building regulations of late has been to promote accessibility.

seen this done before looks neet

 

[Dave OCD]

Or just cut the plug off,thread the flex through a tidy small hole and refit a new plug. Tin hat on about voiding warranties now.

 

[Octopus]

1. 
   

   The thrust of building regulations of late has been to promote accessibility.

   
   Hum..... wonder how long it will take BS 7671 to come up with a definition of accessible?

 

[Toneyz]

Or just cut the plug off,thread the flex through a tidy small hole and refit a new plug. Tin hat on about voiding warranties now.

we've been there 2 months ago it all kicked off then

 

[Dave OCD]

Yeah a load of nonsense.

 

[rolyberkin]

Or just cut the plug off,thread the flex through a tidy small hole and refit a new plug. Tin hat on about voiding warranties now.

Fit a black plug, no one would know any difference!;-)

 

[DPG]

Oh jeez, not the plug debate again! Anyone who thinks anything is going to kick off if a moulded plug is cut off, just think about what would happen if say the plug got damaged. Presumably you would throw the appliance in the bin because fitting a different plug is not allowed???
Daz