Why use Design and Access Statements?
The statement provides an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate the commitment to achieving integrated, safe and accessible design. The approach to inclusive access should be part of the overall design approach. The Design and Access components should therefore be viewed as composite, and not separate parts. The DAS should demonstrate: • how the specific opportunities and constraints of the site have been identified and evaluated; • how the design of the proposed development has responded to its local context, including the wider landscape setting of the site; and • that the design has carefully considered how everyone, including disabled people, older persons, teenagers and young children will be able to use it. • what consultations have taken place, and how this has influenced the design of the scheme.
