Design and Access Statement (DAS)
What's in a Design and Access Statement?
Design and access statements are required to provide information covering the design process and physical characteristics of the scheme. The questions to ask before submitting such a statement are:
- Does the statement show that the applicant has assessed the site's full context, including physical, social and economic characteristics and relevant planning policies?
- Has the applicant demonstrated how they have taken account of the results of any community involvement?
- Does the statement show that the scheme has emerged from a rigorous assessment ,involvement, evaluation design process rather than trying to justify retrospectively a pre-determined solution?
- Would the application help to create an appropriate mix of uses in the area?
- Would different uses work together well or would they cause unacceptable annoyance?
- Is the density appropriate?
- Could the neighbourhood's services support the amount of development planned?
- Do all spaces have a purpose?
- Will public spaces be practical, safe, overlooked and inclusive?
- Will private spaces be adaptable, secure and inviting?
- Will the buildings sit comfortable with their surroundings?
- Will they and parts like doors and windows be of a comfortable scale for people?
- Has landscaping been properly considered from the start?
- Will it help to make the place look good and work well, and will it meet any specific aims for the site?
- How will the development visually relate to its surroundings?
- Will it look attractive?
- Will the place be safe and easy for everyone to move around?
- Will it make the most of the surrounding movement network?
- Has the applicant clearly described their policy approach and consultation process, whether carried out or planned?
Please see further information on how to write, read and use a design and access statement from Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)
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