Changes in guidance and legislation for Planning and Building Regulation applications has introduced the concept of Access Statements as a way of demonstrating that design, refurbishment and product selection decisions have, or will, address the obligations of reasonableness introduced by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

Greater emphasis will now be given by Planning and Building Control to ensure that reasonable provisions are provided for access for all. As a result you will be required to submit an access statement for applications at both Planning and Building Regulation application stages. A Planning Application is not accepted as valid without an appropriate Design and Access Statement.

Access Statements are seen as a way to encourage the design of an inclusive environment to buildings, extensions and to the wider to transport / urban environment by ensuring continuity throughout the planning, design and future management of buildings and spaces.

An inclusive environment is one that can be used by everyone, regardless of age, gender or disability, thereby breaking down unnecessary barriers and exclusions. One key element in achieving an inclusive environment is the removal of unnecessary physical barriers imposed on people by the poor design or management of buildings and spaces.

Access Statements provide the opportunity for developers, designers, product providers and managers of environments to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring accessibility in the work they undertake.

ESBC has provided a Designers Checklist and pro-forma Access Statements for both large and small schemes. It is strongly recommended that the documents are used during the design process and at the submission of plans to ensure that all areas of access have been addressed and to clarify where it is not possible to comply with the guidance given in Approved Document M.