Design Statements

The majority of planning applications must be accompanied by a design and access statement. This became a statutory requirement for all but the most minor proposals from August 2006.

A design statement includes the following:

• The principles/factors which have influenced the design.
• How the design solution respects its surroundings and will improve the local environment.
• How the design relates to Development Plan policy and relevant supplementary planning guidance.
• How design relates to Government planning advice.

Access Statements

A well prepared access statement will incorporate proposals to cover matters such as:

• The philosophy and approach to inclusive design
• The key considerations for the particular scheme
• The sources of access advice and guidance used
• How the principles of inclusive design have been implemented
• How inclusion will be maintained and managed in the use of the scheme

A good access statement will require input from experienced access consultants and planning consultants.

The exact form of the access statement will depend on the size, nature and complexity of the scheme.

With large development schemes more substantial details will be required; these should demonstrate how the following issues have been addressed:

• Transport links
• Approaches to and around the site
• Car parking, setting down points garaging
• Entering the development, including the buildings
• Circulation routes and layout
• Use of surfacing materials

Evans Jones Planning and Access divisions combine to provide well written usable design and access statements for submission with planning and/or listed building applications.

Informative Links

• Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment: Design and Access Statements, How to Write, Read and Use Them (PDF)
• Planning and Local Government: Proposed Arrangements for Outline Planning Permission, Reserved Matters, Design and Access Statements

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