Design and Access Statements

Central Government have introduced a requirement for Design and Access Statements to accompany applications for certain types of permission.  Guidance to the changes are available on DCLG Circular 01/2006  If this information is not provided, the new regulations prohibit the Council from accepting the application and the application will not be registered.

A Design and Access statement combines a range of information into one document and is used in support of an application. The aim of the statement is to explain how an application has evolved, to justify the detail of the proposal and, ultimately, to improve the overall quality of development. It will also help planning officers, statutory consultees, councillors and other interested parties to better understand the impacts and implications of a proposal.

The only applications exempt from this requirement are the following:

• A material change of use of land or buildings, unless it also involves operational development.
• Mining and Engineering.
• Development of an existing dwelling house, or development within the curtilage of a dwelling house for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house, where no part of that dwellinghouse or curtilage is within a designated area. “Designated area” means a National Park, site of special scientific interest, conservation area, area of outstanding natural beauty, World Heritage Site and the Broads.
• Advertisement control, tree preservation orders or storage of hazardous substances.

If you have to produce a statement we have some useful tips to help you.  You may also find the Design and Access  (400.55 KB) template helpful for simple planning applications.

For more detailed information see the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment publication 'Design and access statements - How to write, read, and use them'.

Further Information

For further information about the changes contact:

Planning Services
Wychavon District Council
Telephone: 01386 565565
Email: planning@wychavon.gov.uk