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Design and Access Statements

These are documents that explain the design thinking behind a planning application. For example, they should show that the person applying for permission (the applicant) has thought carefully about how everyone, including disabled people, older people and very young children, will be able to use the places they want to build.Statements should include a written description and justification of the planning application. Sometimes photos, maps and drawings may be needed to further illustrate the points made.  It is important that they are written specifically for the application they accompany.

In summary,  design and access statements:

  • accompany a planning application, but are not part of it
  • are needed with most types of application, but not householder applications (except in designated areas) or material change of use (unless it also involves operational development)
  • are also required for applications for listed building consent
  • need to explain and justify what is being applied for,
  • and can be linked to planning decisions by conditions if developers are to be required to follow them 

New Requirements from 6 April 2010

Design and access statements will be configured as mandatory for the following scenarios:

  • scenario 2 - Householder + Conservation Area
  • scenario 3 - Householder + Listed Building
  • scenario 7 - Full + Conservation Area
  • scenario 8 - Full + Listed Building
  • scenario 11 - Listed Building

Design and access statements will be configured as optional for the following scenarios:

  • scenario 1 - Householder
  • scenario 4 - Full
  • scenarios 5 and 6 - Outline with Some Matters Reserved and Outline with All Matters Reserved
  • scenario 9 - Full + Advertisement 

Design and access statements will be configured as not required for the following scenarios:

  • scenario 10 - Conservation Area - This scenario is for conservation area consent to demolish, which is not a planning application; DAS is still required for planning permission in conservation areas (covered by scenario 7). 
  • scenario 12 - Advertisement
  • scenarios 14 and 15 - Lawful Development Certificate - Existing Use and Lawful Development Certificate - Proposed Use
  • scenarios 16 to 20 - Prior Notification - Proposed Building and Prior Notification - Telecoms
  • scenario 21 - Hedgerow Removal
  • scenario 22 - Prior Notification - Proposed Demolition
  • scenario 23 - Approval of Reserved Matters
  • scenarios 25/26 - Removal or Variation of a Condition
  • scenario 27 - Approval of Details Reserved by Condition
  • scenario 31 - Trees - TPO & Conservation Area
  • scenario 33 - Extend time limit of existing permission
  • scenario 34 - Non-material amendment to existing permission

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