Design and access statements
About design and access statements
A design and access statement has to accompany all listed building and planning applications (except householder applications outside a conservation area, changes of use and engineering operations).
The design and access statement should cover:
- the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the proposed development
- how the design of the proposal has taken into account the nature of its surroundings
- how issues relating to access to the development have been dealt with and resolved.
The design element of the statement should also explain:
- how the proposal is appropriate in its context
- how design principles and concepts have been applied to particular aspects of the proposal - these are the use, amount, layout, scale, landscaping and appearance of the development.
The Government has issued advice on the process of producing a statement and what considerations are necessary:
In all cases, a clear and concise statement is more effective than a lengthy one. The most useful statements are likely to include written elements together with sketches, drawings and photographs. They will not only explain the submitted proposal, but tell the story of how particular solutions have been arrived at, which can be useful to justify selected options.
Design and access statements help to:
- Effectively communicate the principles of the design proposal
- Demonstrate how the proposal relates to the policies in the development plan
- Structure discussions and negotiations.
Wooldale near Holmfirth
Conservation and design contacts
To speak to an officer about planning, conservation, trees or highways
We operate an appointments system. To make an appointment please contact Kirklees Direct on 01484 416228 or email dc.admin@kirklees.gov.uk.
- Conservation and design
- Market Street, PO Box B93, Civic Centre 3, Huddersfield, HD1 2JR
- 01484 416228
- conservationdesign@kirklees.gov.uk