Planning Advice Note 68: Design Statements

Planning Advice Note 68: Design Statements

What is a design statement?

A design statement can be prepared for large and small scale developments. As for every development, the applicant (developer, urban designers, architect, landscape architect or agent), in discussion with the client, should consider and set out the design principles which determine the design and layout of the development proposal. This should be done as early as possible. A design statement enables the applicant to explain why the selected design solution is the most suitable in the circumstances -in terms of the building(s) and the quality of spaces created. A building may be good architecturally but
if it is inappropriate for its context it may
not contribute to a quality place.

A design statement can be presented in various formats. It can be on one or two pages, in a small booklet, an A4 or A3 document, a fold-out sheet, a display board or a CD ROM. The approach used will be influenced by the scale, nature and potential sensitivity of the site and of the proposed development.

" A design statement should explain and illustrate the design principles and design concept of the proposed layout; landscape; scale and mix; details and materials; and maintenance. It should show, as briefly as necessary, how these will help to achieve the qualities in Designing Places. "

PAN 67 Housing Quality