Access Statement

From 10 August 2006, most applicants will be required to provide a Design and Access Statement with their application for outline and full planning permission.

This will including listed building consent.

Exceptions are:

• extensions to dwellings
• mining and engineering operations
  
• material change of use of land/ buildings (unless it also involves operational development)

Purpose

The purpose of a Design and Access Statement is to explain how the proposals have evolved and their suitability for the site. The Statement is an opportunity for the developers and designers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable, inclusive and accessible design and how they will meet various obligations placed on them by legislation and local policies. 

Content

The Design and Access Statement will primarily be concerned with external issues including:

• layout
  
• scale
  
• landscaping
  
• appearance
  
• access – both inclusive and emergency
  

The Statement should also establish the principles and spatial framework that will facilitate compliance with Building Regulations (as a minimum) and wherever possible best practice.

The Access Statement should clearly identify:

• the philosophy and approach to inclusive design
  
• the key issues of the particular scheme, including identified constraints, e.g. listed environments
  
• the sources of advice and guidance used
  
• evidence of consultation, planned or in progress, with disabled people in the local community, including feedback and how this has been/ will be included into the design process
  
• how the principles of inclusive design will be implemented into the scheme, including maintenance and management

The statement should be viewed as part of the process; as a tool to demonstrate that all relevant issues have been considered throughout the design and construction stages. At the planning stage it should clearly demonstrate the applicant's approach to inclusion and show how all potential users, taking into account ability, age and gender differences can enter the site, move around the site, enter and circulate the buildings and use the facilities, including sanitary provision.

It is recommended that a marked-up plan at an appropriate scale, including sections showing relevant gradients and any changes in level, is submitted with the Access Statement. The statement should give details of any national standards used, e.g. BS8300: 2001 and Inclusive Mobility (outdoor pedestrian guidelines), and in the case of residential development, Lifetime Homes and Wheelchair Housing Standards.

Major schemes applicants are advised to appoint an appropriately skilled and independent access consultant or access champion to work with designers and the project team through to completion of the project.

The applicant would also be advised at this stage to consider the implications of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, to ensure that the design and management of the scheme are uphold the spirit of the Act and mitigate the chances of any legal challenges.

Further Information

To assist you in your application we have provided three templates for Minor and Major projects and another for residential developments that includes a Lifetime Homes schedule.

These are available to download at the bottom of this page.

Comprehensive guidance is provided by both the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The CABE guidance can be downloaded by clicking the link under Useful Websites, on the right-hand side of this page. The DCLG guidance is available, as a downloadable document at the bottom of this page.

Further advice and examples of Access Statements can be downloaded from the Disability Rights Commission website. To visit the site, click the relevant link under Useful Websites on the right-hand side of this page.