DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT

From 10 August 2006, applicants may need to submit with their applications a Design and Access Statement (DAS).

A DAS must accompany applications for both outline and full applications, and generally will be required for all planning and listed building consent applications except for:

o A material change of use of land and buildings, (unless it also involves operational development);

o Engineering or mining operations;

o Development of an existing house, or development within the curtilage of a house for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house, where no part of that house or curtilage is within a site of special scientific interest, conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty.

o Advertisements

o Tree Preservation Orders

o Storage of Hazardous Waste

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 their commitment to achieving good design and ensure accessible design.

Statements will include a written description of the proposal and a justification for the application. Photographs, maps and drawings are helpful to further illustrate the points made.

For most straightforward applications, the statement will be short, whereas for more complicated applications will require a detailed report.

The statement will address the following:

o The design process - explain the design principles and concepts.

o Amount of development - how much will be built on site - number of units/floor space.

o Use – what buildings and spaces will be used for.

o Layout - how the buildings, private/public spaces are to be arranged on site and their relationship.

o Scale - how big the buildings and spaces will be in terms of their height/ width /length.

o Appearance – details of materials/architectural details.

o Landscaping – treatment of private and public spaces hard and soft landscaping.

o 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.