Design and Access Statements

From 10 August 2006 virtually all planning applications must be accompanied by a Design and Access Statement, setting out the design thinking behind an application, and showing 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.

The main exceptions are applications for:

• Changes of use, where no new building is involved;
• House extensions and other works where the property is not a listed building or in a conservation area;
• Advertisements.

For more information about how to prepare design and access statements please click on the links below:

Commision for Architecture and the Built Environment: Design and Access Statements- How to Write, Read and Use Them

Design Statements Supplementary Planning Guidance

To read more about the requirements for Design and Access Statements, and other recent changes to the planning system click here to go to the Department for Communities and Local Government Website.