What Design & Access Statements Consider
Design & Access Statements should articulate the design process and reasoning behind key aspects of a proposal, including:
Key components typically include:
- How the proposal responds to the site’s context, character, scale and layout
- The evolution of design options and the reasoning for selection
- The relationship between the new development and its surroundings
- Material, form, massing, scale, and architectural quality considerations
- How access is provided for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and people with differing mobility needs
- How inclusive design principles have shaped the proposal
- How environmental and sustainability considerations influenced design decisions
- The legislative and policy framework guiding design and access decisions
When this service is appropriate
Use this service when a Design & Access Statement is required by statute or when high-quality design justification will strengthen your planning submission. This is particularly relevant:
- For full planning applications where a DAS is required by local validation checklists
- For development affecting heritage assets, conservation areas, or sensitive contexts
- For larger schemes where design quality is a material planning consideration
- For Prior Approval routes that require explanation of design and access matters
- For planning appeals where Inspectors expect a coherent design rationale
- To support negotiations with officers and consultees on design and accessibility issues
A well-prepared DAS improves the clarity of your proposal and demonstrates that design and access have been considered thoroughly and professionally from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Design and Access Statement?
A Design and Access Statement is a formal document that explains the design process and access considerations for a planning proposal. It articulates how the proposal responds to the site context, meets policy requirements, and provides inclusive access.
When is a Design and Access Statement required?
A DAS is required for most major developments and for other proposals where it is set out in national guidance or local validation requirements. Some authorities also require them for proposals affecting heritage assets or in designated areas.
What is the difference between a DAS and a planning statement?
A Planning Statement focuses on planning policy compliance and justification. A Design and Access Statement focuses on how the design has evolved and how access is provided. In many cases both documents are integrated into a single submission, but they have distinct roles.
Does a DAS need to include technical drawings?
A DAS supports visual and narrative explanation of design thinking, and often includes illustrations or annotated plans that help decision-makers understand site context, layout, massing, and access strategy. It should be proportionate to the scale and complexity of the proposal.
What access issues should a DAS cover?
Accessibility in a DAS should show how movement is provided for pedestrians, cyclists, cars and people with varying mobility, how entrances are approached and used, and how spaces within a development are designed to be inclusive.
Can a Design and Access Statement improve determination times?
Yes. A clear, well-structured DAS reduces ambiguity, directly addresses design and access queries, and helps officers and consultees assess the quality of the proposal without unnecessary rounds of clarification.
