Most planning applications need to be accompanied by a 'Design and Access Statement'(DAS.) Local Planning Authorities are prohibited from 'entertaining' an application unless it is accompanied by a 'Design and Access Statement', where required. This is explained in more detail in the Local Government Circular 01/2006. The DAS should be submitted at the planning stage to clarify the developer's design philosophy.
Requirements
A 'Design and Access Statement' will be required for all applications for Listed Building Consent. Where there is a planning application submitted in parallel with an application for listed building consent, a single, combined statement should address the requirements of both.
The DAS should clearly identify:
- The philosophy and approach to inclusive design
- The Key issues of the particular scheme
- The source of advice and guidance used
- How the principles of inclusive design have been implemented into the scheme
- How inclusion will be maintained and managed
Guidance
We have produced a DAS checklist for full planning applications, outline planning applications and listed building applications, to help you in the creation of a DAS. We also have a Design and Access Statement template that you can use. There is also guidance on how to read, write and use Design and Access Statments on the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) website.
Exceptions
A 'Design and Access Statement' will be required for all planning applications except those for:
- A material change in the use of land or buildings, unless it involves operational development
- Mining and engineering operations
- Householder development outside a designated conservation area, national park, site of special scientific interest, area of outstanding natural beauty, World Heritage Site and the Broads
- Advertisement Consent, Tree Preservation Orders or Hazardous Substances consent
