Design and Access Statement? Help needed, quick!

[Carol]

Has anyone done one of these? I have had our LBC application returned as it hasn't got a Design & Access Statement attached (new rules since 10.08.06 apparently) As room in question is our bedroom, I am a bit mystified as to who else will have access, but now have to find out how to complete one. So the thought of a lovely new oak floor didn't make OUR CO happy after all!

 

[skier-hughes]

Maybe this will help
http://www.cabe.org.uk/AssetLibrary/8073.pdf

 

[Carol]

Thank you SH, I have started using that doc, but it seems to refer to large building schemes rather than domestic individual applications. I have spoken to our local council, who were cheerful and friendly, but apart from saying why we want to have a new floor and get rid of a 1930's fireplace and how we are using trad. materials etc. its hardly a design issue. And as for access, we have restricted headroom, a spiral staircase and uneven flooring, do I mention these or just say the new floor will be even? (Which it won't be, as we quite like its 'character'!) This legislation seems very unsympathetic to be used for all LBC applications.

 

[Craig]

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/environment/planning/planningprocess/designandaccess.cfm

What a ridicuous farce.

I guess there is nothing to say that once you have considered it, it turned out that it was not very accessible...

 

[Craig]

It may be that you are a "Householder Development" and so dont need to do it (though why this should only be if you arent in a conservation zone is not clear - why would disabled access need to be a consideration in a conservation zione but not outside it? Do disabled people's disabilities get better when the buildings get less historic...?).

It also seems that all the guidance is addressed towards commercial occupiers who have obligations under the DDA. As you have no obligations, asking how you fulfilled them (or not) seems a bit odd?

 

[Roger H]

Don't worry too much. It has probably been returned on a tick-box basis as Council's can't now validate an application unless a D&AS accompanies it, in those instance where one is required. Usually for a minor domestic work, or an extension you wouldn't need one but do in your case as it is listed.

The statement need only be brief (less than an A4 I would think) showing what the reason is for the proposed works, what materials and design solutions have been chosen, and why; and, how access issues have been considered. You can say that access issues have been considered but because of the character of the building a number of constraints are imposed that are not resolvable within the scope of your proposed works. You are not making the situation worse for those with disabilities so you should be fine. A sentence on that should do.

The whole thing is really to get actual developers to show that they have put some design thought into a scheme, rather than parachuting in a stock solution.

Best of luck.

 

[Penners]

Carol, did you submit your application yourselves? The document that Skier-Hughes pointed you to clearly states that householder applications do not require a statement.

 

[Carol]

I was told that all LBC applications in this region will now need D&A statements (except for extensions) if they are in a conservation area including householder applications. I have spent most of today reading and completing ours in the hope we are granted permission in the New Year. It seems to be an area that was not thoroughly thought out, unless as I suspect it is a means of making LBC even more complex. I have followed the guidance and all your advice so we shall see!

 

[Johneds]

Carol, if it would be useful to see an example of a design and access statement follow the link below to one done recently by yours truly. As you can see it need only be short and quite basic.

http://planning.southglos.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do;jsessionid=1E02852EB9EF76B69FD4A040FC6350DA?action=show&appType=Planning&appNumber=PT06/3575/F

scroll down and click on the design and access statement link.

 

[Penners]

...in keeping with the massing and scale of the surroundings...

John - it seems to me that, as is so often the case with local authority matters, the success or otherwise of this document is in part dependent on using the right language.

What does "massing" mean in this context, please?

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Carol, did you submit your application yourselves? The document that Skier-Hughes pointed you to clearly states that householder applications do not require a statement.

All LBC and Conservation Area applications require them, as do all applications in National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and various others.

Not sure they will continue to do so, though.

Nottingham City Council have quite a good "step by step" form to fill in which then becomes a D&A statement -
http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/sitemap/services/environment/planning/adviceonplanning/application_forms_and_fees.htm
It's part of the "Householder Planning Application Form", pages 5 and 6 of the Word version.

 

[Carol]

We had the first stage notice form today for our LBC, and the little flyer was attached to a downpipe on the outside, so clearly the D&A statement I put together with your help was acceptable to the Council. Many thanks to all those who contributed useful advice. I think the particular format of the D&A is totally unsuited to most small LBC applications, not least because of the anomalies we found.