Design Access Statements
A Design and Access Statement must accompany applications for both outline and full applications, and generally will be required for all planning and listed building consent applications except for:
- A material change of use of land and buildings, (unless it also involves operational development)
- Engineering or mining operations
- Householder developments: but statements are required if the property is located within a Conservation Area
- Advertisements
- Tree Preservation Orders
- Storage of Hazardous Waste
What Should a Design and Access Statement Cover?
Statements are documents that explain the design thinking behind an application, to show that the applicant has thought carefully about how everyone, including disabled people, older people and young children will be able to use the places they want to build. They provide an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate his/her commitment to achieving good design and ensure accessible design. Statements should include a written description of the proposal and a justification for the application. Photographs, maps and drawings would be helpful to further illustrate the points made.
The statement needs to make reference to the relevant planning policies in the Council's adopted Local Plan and any relevant Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG's). Statements should provide a clear reason for any departures from policy.
For most straightforward applications, the statement will be short, whereas for more complicated applications a more detailed report will required. The statement should address the following:
- The design process - explain the design principles and concepts.
- Amount of development -how much will be built on site/number of units/floor space.
- Use - what buildings and spaces will be used for
- Layout - how the buildings, private/public spaces are to be arranged on site and their relationship.
- Scale - how big the buildings and spaces will be in terms of their height/ width /length.
- Appearance - details of materials/architectural details.
- Landscaping - treatment of private and public spaces hard and soft landscaping.
- Access - access to the development to ensure equal; and convenient access to buildings and spaces and the public transport network, and access for emergency services where relevant.
Listed Building Consent Applications
Statements should also include a brief explanation of how the design has taken into account the historic and special architectural importance of the building, the particular physical features that justify its designation as a listed building and the building's setting. The statement should detail any specific issues that arise because the building is listed, and if it is not possible to provide inclusive design, this needs to be expanded upon in the statement.
Background
A copy of Circular 1/2006 Opens in a new window which explains the requirements for Design and Access Statements can be viewed on the Department for Communities and Local Government website.
Further detailed and very useful guidance on how to prepare Design and Access Statements has been published by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and can be viewed on their website:- http://www.cabe.org.uk/AssetLibrary/8073.pdf Opens in a new window
PDF documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader - available free of charge.
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