Planning Practice Note:
Design and Access Statements
From 10th August 2006 all Planning, Listed Building and Householder Development Applications, both full and in outline, will need to be accompanied by a Design and Access Statement.
The only exceptions are: -
- A material change in the use of land or buildings, unless it also involves operational development
- Engineering or mining operations
- Householder development where no part of the site is within a designated area such as a Conservation Area; Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Applications submitted without the necessary statement will be invalid and have to be returned.
FULL & LISTED BUILDING APPLICATIONS
Statements must demonstrate the applicant's commitment to good design, sustainability and accessibility. They must also illustrate the process that has led to the development proposal. They need not necessarily be lengthy but should reflect the complexity of the application that is being made.
DESIGN
The context of the application should be explained and how this has influenced the design approach selected and will allow local communities, access groups, amenity groups and other stakeholders to involve themselves more directly in the planning process. It should be concise, and can include drawings, plans and photographs and can be submitted electronically. It should explain the design concepts relating to the layout, scale, landscaping and appearance of the development.
An Assessment of the context will involve an Appraisal in physical, social and economic terms; as well as Involvement of the community, other professionals and access groups.
ACCESS
This relates to access to the development and is not concerned with internal issues. All users should have equal and convenient access to buildings and spaces and the public transport network. Access policies should be explained and how local development documents have been taken into account. A brief explanation of the applicant's policy and approach to access, with reference to the inclusion of disabled people and how the sources of advice on design and accessibility and technical issues have been followed should also be set out. Access for emergency vehicles should also be included plus circulation routes for emergency evacuation.
HOUSEHOLDER APPLICATIONS IN CONSERVATION AREAS; THE AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY AND SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST
The statement should be concise and set out on a single sheet of A4 paper and refer to the following: -
- Explain the process that has led to the proposal and why a particular solution has been chosen.
- Explain the design process and the local context, layout, scale, landscaping and appearance.
- Show clearly how the proposal sits on the plot and in relation to the surrounding area on all sides.
- Explain how the proposal will be accessed so that all users will have equal and convenient access to the development.
LISTED BUILDING APPLICATIONS
A joint statement can be submitted in respect of both applications, additional requirements are as follows: -
- Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 para 3.5 explain how the development impacts on the Special Architectural and Historic Importance of the building in relation to the particular physical features of the building that justifies designation as a listed building and the buildings setting.
- Where the new proposal will impact on the special character of the building an explanation of why this has to occur.
- Explain the design approach adopted to balance the duties imposed by the Disability Discrimination Act and the need to protect the special architectural and historic qualities of the building. Options should be set out as to how the impact on disabled people has been minimised in the design solution chosen.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS SHOULD CLEARLY IDENTIFY THE DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT DOCUMENT
The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment have created a short guide which shows how to write and read Design Access Statements. It accompanies the government circular and provides practical advice on getting the best from statements to help deliver well-designed, inclusive places.
The following is the website link to access this advisory note
http://www.cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=1334
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Stone House, Corve Street,
Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1DG.
Tel: (01584) 813000
Fax: (01584) 813128
e-mail: planning@southshropshire.gov.uk
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