Access Statements
Access Statements are an essential part of planning applications for most large development. Proudlock Associates offer the expertise and experience you need to prepare them.
Access Statements are a way to proactively follow UK laws that outline the standards for inclusion or ‘disabled access’ as it is still often referred to, which is more important than ever.
When you need an Access Statement
Expect to need an Access Statement if your application is for any development:
- residential
- commercial premises
- public venue
- educational establishment
- has a change of class use
- requires a Heritage Statement
Purpose of an Access Statement
An Access Statement outlines how your proposed development will:
- be inclusive
- address disabled peoples’ needs
An Access Statement, (or Disability Access Statement, currently called an ‘Inclusive Design and Access Statement, or IDAS) is a highly valuable document. It can be used as a monitoring and assessment tool as the inclusive design and access related elements of design progress: information in it can also be developed further, for example into:
- An ‘end of RIBA Stage’ report, for any of the RIBA Stages (most useful in our experience have been as a Stage 2, Stage 3 or Stage 4 end report.)
- A report for the overarching statutory “Design and Access Statement” (required for planning under the National Planning Policy Framework).
- A Gateway 2 report; this is at the building control approval application stage.
Under the Building Safety Act this is required before building work starts. It must be submitted to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and approval by them is a requirement prior to work starting.
The report / application to the BSR must contain sufficient information to show how the building, when built, will satisfy all applicable functional requirements. - A Gateway 3 report, required at project completion.This must be approved by the BSR prior to occupation.
- It can also be adapted to be used as a handbook or guide for disabled people using the development, or it can be used for marketing material to attract positive interest in your proposal.
Writing an Access Statement needs expertise in:
- inclusive design
- accessibility issues
- legal requirements related to inclusive design and access management
- design development processes and construction.
We’ve got that expertise, so contact Proudlock Associates today for details on how we can help.
