Design and access statement
Last Updated: 23 August 2023
Used to explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to a development and to demonstrate how specific issues which might affect access to the development have been addressed.
When required
- planning applications for Major developments (Erection of 10 or more dwellings, development of more than 1000 square metres or site area of more than one hectare)
- planning applications in a conservation area providing one or more dwellings
- planning applications in a conservation area providing a building or buildings where the floor space created is 100 square metres or more
- all applications for listed building consent
Contents of a Design and Access Statement
A design and access (DAS) statement is a short report accompanying and supporting a planning application. It provides a framework for applicants to explain how a proposed development is a suitable response to the site and its setting, and demonstrate that it can be adequately accessed by prospective users.
A DAS must explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development. It must also demonstrate how the proposed development’s context has influenced the design. The Statement must explain the applicant’s approach to access and how relevant local policies have been taken into account, any consultation undertaken in relation to access issues, and how the outcome of this consultation has informed the proposed development. Applicants must also explain how any specific issues which might affect access to the proposed development have been addressed.
The level of detail in a Design and Access Statement should be proportionate to the complexity of the application, but should not be long. For most straightforward planning applications, the DAS may only need to be a page long.
The statement should explain the policy adopted regarding access, together with how policies relating to Access for All have been taken into account, including the South Lakeland Development Management Policies Development Plan Document Policy DM11 - Accessible and Adaptable Homes.
State what consultations you have undertaken on issues relating to access to the development and how these have been taken into account.
Content of a Design and Access Statements for applications for listed building consent
The design and access statement should explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development taking account of:
- the special architectural or historic importance of the listed building
- the physical features of the building that justify its designation as a listed building
- the setting of the listed building
- issues relating to access to the building, including any alternative means of access that may have been considered