When a design and access statement is required
Design and access statement template.
To accompany applications for the following:
In all cases
- major development
- listed building
In designated historic areas (conservation areas and World Heritage Sites):
- the extension of an existing building where the floorspace created by the development is 100 square metres or more
- the provision of one or more dwellings
The statement shall:
- explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development
- demonstrate the steps taken to appraise the context of the development and how the design of the development takes that context into account
- explain the policy adopted as to access, and how policies relating to access in relevant local development documents have been taken into account
- state what, if any, consultation has been undertaken on issues relating to access to the development and what account has been taken of the outcome of any such consultation
- explain how any specific issues which might affect access to the development have been addressed
In addition if the building is listed you will need to explain how the design principles take account of the special architectural or historic importance of the building, the physical features and the buildings setting.
What design and access statements are for
The City Council must by law require a design and access statement for certain types of planning application.
A design and access statement is a short report supporting a planning application to illustrate the process that has led to the development proposal. It explains the proposal in a structured way. The level of detail depends on the scale and complexity of the proposal.
The statement allows the council to better understand the analysis that underpins the design, and how it contributes to quality, sustainability and inclusiveness.
The statement must allow local communities, access groups and other stakeholders to understand how they are affected by the development without having to interpret technical or specialist documents that may be confusing.