Some tips for a Design and Access Statement

The statement needs to include an assessment of:

Design

The process

• The statement should show the applicant has assessed the sites full context, including physical, social and economic characteristics and relevant planning policies
• Demonstrate how account has been taken of the results of community involvement.
• Show that the scheme has emerged from a rigorous process of assessment, involvement, evaluation and design. The statement should therefore explain the design out come not simply present it.

In detail the following issues will normally require description and explanation.

Use

• What buildings and space are being used for.

Amount

• How much would be built on the site.
• The appropriateness of the density.
• Can the neighbourhood’s services support the amount of development planned.

Layout

• How the buildings and public spaces will be arranged on the site and the relationship between them and the buildings and space around the site.
• Demonstrate how the design incorporates crime prevention measures.

Scale

• How big the buildings and spaces would be (their height, width and length).
• Explain how this relates to the site’s surroundings.
• Explain how the scale of buildings features fit comfortably.

Landscaping (This includes both hard and soft landscaping)

• The purpose of landscaping spaces.
• How open spaces will be treated to enhance and protect the character of a place.

Appearance

• The visual impression a place or building makes, including the external built form of the development, its architecture, materials, decoration, lighting, colour and texture.

Access

The same process should be followed with regard to access. “Access” refers to “access to the development”, not just the internal aspects of individual buildings.

The statement should explain how access arrangements would ensure that all users would have equal and convenient access to buildings and spaces, parking and the public transport network.

Listed Buildings

Design and Access statements relating to listed buildings should be extended to include an assessment of and response to

• The historic and special architectural importance of the building
• The particular physical features of the building that justify its designation as a listed building.
• The building’s setting.

Access

Information on access statements for listed buildings and historic landscapes can be found in our publication Accessible Historic Environment  (3.25 MB)

Further Information

If you would like more information please see our Design and Access Statement webpage or contact:

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