Welsh Government
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New design statements for planning applications in Wales soon come into force

Environment Minister Jane Davidson today (Mon 20th April) reminded planners that some planning applications in Wales will require new Design and Access Statements from 1st June this year.

Design and Access Statements will now accompany planning applications and/or listed building consent. They will show how the final design was reached and contain information on the sustainability of the development.

Ms Davidson said:

The impact of climate change demands a major change in the sustainability of buildings – with improvements in the way they are procured, constructed and maintained. The introduction of the design statement will contribute to this. It will mean designers and planners will have to think about design principles and design concept that have been applied to the development proposal.

Greener and leaner buildings in Wales, can lead the way in the battle against climate change. The Assembly Government is determined to lead the way in improving the sustainability of buildings in Wales. Last year, we announced our 2011 aspiration for zero carbon for all new buildings.  We are also pursuing devolution of the building regulations from Westminster to Cardiff to take this forward.

There are five aspects of design which will need to be addressed by the Design and Access Statement:

  • accessibility
  • environmental sustainability
  • character (layout, scale etc)
  • movement to, from and within the development
  • community safety

The Welsh Assembly Government expects applicants and all local planning authorities to implement this legislation once it is in place.  Training for local planning authorities will be rolled out shortly. A revision of TAN 12: ‘Design’ will also be available from this date to provide up to date guidance on design and access issues.

Related Links

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/sustainabledevelopment/?lang=en

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