Design and Access Statements

Government legislation requires that a Design and Access Statement should accompany most planning applications (both full and outline) and applications for listed building consent.

What is its purpose?

The purpose of the Statement is to demonstrate that due consideration has been given to design, access and sustainability aspects.  The Statement should illustrate or describe the details appropriately as well as to explain and justify what is being proposed with respect to the various elements.  It should provide proof of the rigour of the design process and show that suitable provision has been made for both vehicular and inclusive access and show how the appropriate sustainable buildings standards, including the renewable energy matrix have been addressed.

What should it include?

Broadly speaking, the design component of the Statement should demonstrate assessment, involvement, evaluation and design activities with respect to the following characteristics of the proposed scheme:

  • Land use
  • Amount
  • Layout
  • Scale
  • Landscaping
  • Appearance

The access component should identify transport links and the integration with public transport as well as provision for inclusive access regardless of age, disability, ethnicity or social grouping.

The sustainability component should illustrate how the appropriate Code for Sustainable Homes or BREEAM standard has been met with respect to the following key issues:

  • Reuse of land and buildings
  • Maximising the use of natural systems
  • Conserving energy, materials and water resources
  • Reducing the impacts of noise, pollution and microclimate effects
  • Ensuring developments are comfortable and secure
  • Conserving and enhancing the natural environment and biodiversity
  • Promoting sustainable waste
  • Promoting sustainable construction

The renewable energy matrix [pdf document] should be completed for major developments (including conversions) of more than 10 dwellings or 1000m2 of non residential floorspace explaining the chosen technologies that will be used and how they will be incorporated into the design.

There are also special requirements for applications relating to heritage assets (such as listed buildings and conservation areas).

When is it needed?

Most applications (including outline applications) require the inclusion of a Design & Access Statement.  Ones that do not are as follows:

  • Householder applications (unless the house lies within a Conservation Area or is a Listed Building);
  • Change of Use (unless external alterations are included as part of the application);
  • Tree applications;
  • Advertisement applications.

Guidance

Preparing design and access statements [pdf document]

Background Information

Changes to the application process [pdf document]

Please note that this leaflet also describes other changes to the system, aside from Design and Access Statements (relating to information submitted with outline applications).