Aug 11 2006
As part of its commitment to drive up standards of design and quality in all new developments, planning applications will require a Design and Access Statement from Thursday 10 August, Planning Minister Baroness Andrews has announced.
The statements will set out how elements of design such as character and disability access have been considered, and will give local authorities greater understanding of what is being proposed and what the final development might look like.
Applicants must demonstrate consideration of the layout, appearance, scale and landscaping to ensure good design, and that they have thought carefully about how everyone, including disabled people, the elderly and young children will be able to travel to and use the places they want to build.
Baroness Andrews said:
“The Government is putting high quality design at the heart of the planning process to ensure that it is integral to any new development proposals. Giving proper consideration to design and access principles at the start can improve the quality of new buildings and spaces and speed up the process too.
“We want developers and local authorities to seize this opportunity to ensure that they deliver attractive and exciting places that everyone can cherish.”
Householders who are applying for permission to make home improvements will not generally be required to provide Design and Access statements.
A good practice guide on how the statements will work has been issued by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). The guidance gives practical advice for developers and local authorities on what will need to be included and how the statements should be interpreted.
Posted 11th August 2006