As most full and outline planning applications now need to be accompanied by a design and access statement, we have produced two guides to help developers and householders put together and write their statements. (Please scroll down for a list of applications that do not require a statement).

A developer's guide to design and access statements [PDF] (159k)

A householder's guide to design and access statements [PDF] (92k)

If you are writing a statement, you may also find the following sites and documents useful.

• The Department for Communities and Local Government (this page opens in a new window) website gives useful guidance on Design and Access statements.
  
• The Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Amendment Order 2006 [PDF] (73k)
  
• The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) guide called 'Design and Access Statements - How to write, read and use them (this page opens in a new window)'
  
• Urban Design London have put together a presentation called 'How to write Design Statements (this page opens in a new window)'
  

The only applications for which you do not need to submit a statement are:

• Householder applications outside 'designated areas' (which include conservation areas; sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs); and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs))
• Applications for a change of use of land or buildings unless this involves operational development.
• Applications for engineering or mining operations;
• Advert applications
• Tree applications (to carry out work to trees in a conservation area or which have a tree preservation order (TPO);
• Applications for the storage of hazardous substances.

Planning Helpdesk
Guildford Borough council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BP

Tel: 01483 444609
Email: planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk