Design and Access Statement: Best Practices

A Design and Access statement is a document that explains how the design of a proposed development addresses issues of accessibility, safety, and sustainability.

For smaller domestic projects a very simple document of a few hundred words may be acceptable, however the statement should demonstrate how the design of the development is in compliance with national and local policies, standards, and guidelines. 

Here are some best practices for creating a Design and Access statement (broken into 8 sections):

1. Understand the Context
2. Accessibility
3. Safety
4. Sustainability
5. Compliance
6. Illustrations
7. Consultations
8. Keep it clear and concise

1. Understand the context: 

It's important to understand the context of the proposed development, including the site's location, surroundings, and the needs of the local community. This will help you ensure that the design is appropriate for the area and addresses the needs of the people who will use it.

2. Accessibility: 

The statement should demonstrate how the design of the development addresses accessibility for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, and visually impaired. This might include details about ramps, elevators, visually distinct colour contrasts and other accessibility features.

3. Safety: 

The statement should demonstrate how the design of the development addresses issues of safety, such as fire safety, security, and emergency egress. This might include details about fire exits, smoke alarms, and security systems.

4. Sustainability: 

The statement should demonstrate how the design of the development addresses issues of sustainability, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials. This might include details about renewable energy systems, green roofs, and water-saving features. The design might also have been oriented in order to maximise the potential of solar gain throughout the seasons.

5. Compliance: 

The statement should demonstrate how the design of the development is in compliance with national and local policies, standards, and guidelines. This might include details about compliance with Building Regulations and planning policies.

6. Illustrations: 

Include detailed illustrations and plans that clearly show the design and layout of the proposed development, and how it addresses the issues of accessibility, safety, and sustainability. These illustrations d not have to be to a specific scale, but aid in portraying the principals of the overall proposal.

7. Consultation: 

If required, consult with relevant parties, such as accessibility experts, fire safety experts, sustainability experts to ensure that the design addresses all relevant issues. As part of the design process the applicant may also have consulted with the LPA, neighbours and interested groups such a Parish councils, these should be referred-to and the results included. 

8. Keep it clear and concise: 

The statement should be well-organised, clear, and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical language that may be difficult for non-experts to understand.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for a Design and Access statement can vary depending on the local planning authority, so it's a good idea to check with them directly for more information. 

Helpful Information

Creating a Design and Access statement can be a complex process, as it requires a detailed understanding of accessibility, safety, and sustainability regulations and guidelines, as well as knowledge of the proposed development and its context.

This might involve a lot of research and data gathering, such as a site analysis, consultation with relevant parties and making sure that all the requirements are met as per the local planning authority. This also requires knowledge of how to present the information in a clear and concise manner.

With the help of professionals such as architects or planning consultants the process of creating a Design and Access statement can be made easier. These professionals have the necessary knowledge and experience to guide you through the process and ensure that the statement meets all the requirements and effectively demonstrates how the design addresses the principal issues of the proposal. 

There are also online guides and resources available to help you understand the process of creating a Design and Access statement. Here are a couple of examples:

1. The UK government's Planning Portal website provides guidance on how to create a Design and Access statement, as well as information on the requirements and standards that must be met.
2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) provides a guide on how to create a Design and Access statement for planning applications.

These guides provide a good starting point for understanding the process and the requirements for creating a Design and Access statement. 

Here are the legal requirements for a DAS. 

Find the full list of surveys and assessments here.

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