Design and Access Statements
From 10 August 2006, all planning applications not included in the categories listed below must be accompanied by a Design and Access Statement.
The categories not included in the new requirement are:
- engineering and mining operations
- development of an existing house or development within the curtilage for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling-house (except for dwelling-houses in a conservation area);
- a material change of use of land or buildings.
In addition, all applications for listed building consent must be accompanied by a Design and Access Statement.
The purpose of the statement is to explain and justify the design and access principles and concepts on which a development proposal is based, and how these will be reflected in individual aspects of the scheme.
Useful Guidance
Barnet has produced a Design and Access Statement Guidance Note 
(PDF 99KB) to assist those making planning applications.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has produced Circular 01/2006.(PDF 556KB) (External Link): this provides guidance on the recent changes to the Development Control System, a background on Design and Access Statements as well as information on when a Design and Access Statement is required.
The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has also published a useful guide entitled ‘Design and access statements: how to write, read and use them’ (June 2006). A copy of this Guide can be downloaded and ordered from the CABE website.
