Housing Improvement: Planning Permission

Mrs. Lait
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what reason a full design and access statement is required in relation to minor household extensions (a) in conservation areas and (b) for listed buildings; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Iain Wright
A design and access statement is a report supporting a planning application to explain and justify a development proposal. A design and access statement is required for all planning applications, with a few limited exceptions such as existing dwelling houses outside designated areas. A design and access statement is also required for listed building consent. A major part of a design and access statement is the explanation of how local context has influenced the design. Local context is particularly important for conservation areas and listed buildings. A design and access statement can nevertheless be very concise so long as it effectively covers all of the design and access issues for a proposed development.