Design and access statements

Submitting planning applications - new requirements

The government now requires applicants to submit design and access statements with most planning applications. We will not register applications until such a statement has been submitted.

We have provided a link to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment's (CABE) published advice; Design and access statements: how to write, read and use them to assist.

Exemptions

We will require design and access statements for all planning applications except for:

a material change in the use of land or buildings
engineering or mining operations.
development of an existing dwelling house, or development within the curtilage of a dwelling house for any
purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house, where no part of that dwelling house or curtilage is within a designated area. *

*“Designated area” means a National Park, site of special scientific interest, conservation area, area of outstanding natural beauty, World Heritage Site and the Broads.

We do not require design and access statements for applications relating to advertisement control, tree preservation orders or storage of hazardous substances.

For further information contact planning.

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