Design & Access Experts Tel: 020 8644 3263
What is a Design & Access Statement?
Design & Access Statements (DAS) originated from the need to satisfy newly introduced laws for disabled people. Since that time the DAS has evolved to cover a much wider brief including conservation issues, highways, trees and a wide variety of specific aspects that need to be covered in order for the planning officer to accept the planning application.
An increasing number of applications require a DAS, without this document planners might invalidate your entire application. This is becoming more common.
Design & Access Statements explain the design thinking behind a planning application. Statements should include a written description and justification of the planning application. The amount of detail they contain should reflect the complexity of the application. Whilst there is a Design and an Access component, the statement should not be considered two separate documents.
When is a Design & Access Statement required?
Design & Access Statements are needed for most planning applications but, at the time of going to press, does not include house extensions unless the property is situated in a Conservation area when extensions will require a DAS.
What special qualities can Linic offer?
A high quality DAS improves the chances of success for your application. Linic offers our clients a high standard of DAS production that satisfies CABE standards. There are only a few of these organistions in the UK which have attained this level of production. What this means is the final document will enhance your application by being comprehensive and professionally presented.
For more information about how we can help with your DAS contact us at Gill - Design & Access StatementsSome of the considerations relating to a DAS
The specific requirements of a DAS might have a different emphasis depending on whether you are a commercial, domestic or conservation client. The problem is that drawings (the classical method for making decisions about planning) are not able to provide all of the details needed in today's increasingly complex requirements for planning permission. Here are some of the key areas you should consider:
- All aspect of road access
- Road size/traffic volume/traffic nature
- Position of the road in relation to the existing/proposed building
- Trees - tree type and proximity to buildings or proposed buildings
- General Access
- Disability Access and Parking
- Pedestrian Visibility
- Driver Visibility
- Right of Way issues
- Parking Spaces - turning area
- Window Position and type
- Grass Verges
- Development impact on DAS in terms of neighbours
- Loss of Outlook
Architectural design is at the heart of the DAS, which relates to the appearance of the building within the context of where the building is located.
The above is only a selection, there are many more elements that can be put into a DAS, each case is different and has to be analysed individually. In some cases the work can be quite complex as it impacts an ever-increasing set of design and access rules. We will present your objectives in the best possible light and, of course, in the current client, a good DAS can be pivotal in deciding whether a proposal obtains permission.