Greener, leaner buildings in Wales

New Design and Access Statements for planning applications in Wales come into force on 1 June.

In a bid to address growing concerns over the impact of buildings on climate change, the Welsh Assembly Government will soon require all planning applications to outline how the sustainability implications of new developments have been reflected in their design.

The new Design and Access Statements – to accompany all applications for planning permission and for listed building consent in Wales (with exceptions) – will come into effect from 1 June. It addresses five key aspects of design: accessibility; environmental sustainability; character, including layout and scale; movement to, from and within the development; and community safety.

In a reminder to planners in April, Environment Minister Jane Davidson said the impact of climate change demanded “a major change in the sustainability of buildings”, citing the need for improvements in the way buildings are procured, constructed and maintained.

Davidson explained that the introduction of the statements would contribute to this by making “designers and planners think about the design principles and design concepts that have been applied to the development proposal.”

“The Assembly Government is determined to lead the way in improving the sustainability of buildings in Wales,” she said. “Last year, we announced our 2011 aspiration for zero carbon for all new buildings and we are pursuing devolution of the building regulations from Westminster to Cardiff to take this forward.”
 
The new Design and Access Statements come as a result of the consultation on ‘Planning and Climate Change’ issued by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2006. All applicants and local planning authorities are expected to implement the legislation from 1 June and training for local planning authorities will available prior to this. A revision of TAN 12: ‘Design’ will also be available from this date to provide up to date guidance on design and access issues.

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