Design & Access Statement Template

# Design & Access Statement

**Applicant:** [Name]
**Site Address:** [Full address]
**Application Reference:** [If known]
**Date:** [Date]

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## 1. Introduction

This Design & Access Statement (DAS) accompanies the planning application for [description of development]. It sets out the design principles and concepts that have informed the development, and demonstrates how the proposal responds to its context.

*A DAS is required for: major applications, applications for listed building consent, and applications in designated areas (conservation areas, World Heritage Sites).*

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## 2. Amount

**Residential:** [Number of units / type]
**Commercial:** [Floorspace in m² / use class]
**Existing floorspace retained:** [m²]
**Proposed new floorspace:** [m²]

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## 3. Layout

### Site Analysis
[Describe the site's relationship to surrounding streets, buildings, land uses, topography, and key views. Include reference to a site analysis drawing if available.]

### Access Points
[Describe pedestrian, cycle, and vehicle access to the site.]

### Landscape and Open Space
[Describe proposed landscaping, garden areas, public realm.]

### Relationship to Surroundings
[How does the layout respond to adjacent buildings, street pattern, and public spaces?]

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## 4. Scale

**Height:** [Maximum height and relationship to neighbouring buildings]
**Width:** [Frontage width]
**Depth:** [Footprint depth]
**Massing:** [How bulk is broken down — e.g. stepped profile, set-backs, varied roof form]

[Demonstrate that scale is appropriate to the character of the area and respects the setting of any heritage assets.]

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## 5. Landscaping

[Describe hard and soft landscaping proposals, including:
- Existing trees/hedgerows to be retained
- Proposed new planting species
- Surface materials for paths, patios, driveways
- Boundary treatments — walls, fences, hedges]

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## 6. Appearance

### Materials
| Element | Proposed Material |
|---------|------------------|
| External walls | [e.g. Buff brick / Render / Timber cladding] |
| Roof | [e.g. Clay plain tiles / Slate / Zinc] |
| Windows | [e.g. Aluminium / Timber / uPVC] |
| Doors | [e.g. Timber / Composite] |
| Boundary walls | [e.g. Brick to match existing] |

### Architectural Character
[Explain the design approach — traditional/contemporary, references to local vernacular, key architectural features.]

### Heritage Response (if applicable)
[If in a conservation area or affecting a listed building, explain how the design preserves or enhances the special character and appearance of the designated asset, with reference to relevant character appraisals.]

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## 7. Access

### Inclusive Design
[Explain how the proposal meets the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations and provides for inclusive access — step-free access, level thresholds, accessible parking bays, etc.]

### Transport
[Describe cycle and vehicle parking, proximity to public transport, pedestrian routes.]

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## 8. Use

[Describe the proposed use(s) and how they are appropriate for the site and location.]

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## 9. Care and Maintenance

[Briefly explain long-term management arrangements for landscaping, communal areas, and building fabric.]

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*Template prepared using PlanningCore | planningcore.uk*