To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance she has given local planning authorities on determining applications to extend (a) domestic and (b) commercial properties with regard to compliance with part M of the building regulations; and if she will make a statement. (230995)

Planning Circular 01/06 contains guidance on the requirement for most types of application for planning permission to be accompanied by a design and access statement. These statements seek to ensure that development proposals, amongst other things, demonstrate a sustainable approach to access. Although most types of commercial development require a statement, only a minority of householder applications, for example, those in conservation areas, do so.