Ready for winter?
Find practical and financial support.

What you need to submit with your planning application

Local planning authorities are required to publish a list of information they require to validate planning applications. The validation list sets out national requirements and specific local requirements. Planning applications will be expected to be accompanied by the relevant documents for the type of planning application as set out in the document.

Download the Telford & Wrekin Council National and local list

Relevant documents

Download the location and site plans guidance notes for information on acceptable standards.

You can buy plans from accredited suppliers online, the national Planning Portal website or through ourselves.

View more information on planning fees for all application types.


What is a design and access statement?

A design and access statement explains the design principles and concepts behind a planning application and how issues relating to access to the development have been dealt with. It is a written report and can be sometimes include photos, maps and drawings.

Design and access statements are required for planning applications where the development:

  • is major development
  • is a listed building
  • is within a conservation area or World Heritage Site and is for one or more dwellings or for building or buildings where the floor space created is 100 square metres or more.

It is not required for:

  • a material change in use of the land or buildings
  • for engineering or mining operations
  • for development which is waste development
  • an application made pursuant to Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (determination of applications to develop land without compliance with conditions previously attached) or the grant of a replacement planning permission subject to a new time limit and was granted planning permission before 1 October 2010 which has not expired.

The design and access statement shall:

  • explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development
  • demonstrate the steps taken to appraise the context of the development and how design of the development takes that context into account
  • explain the policy adopted as to access and how policies relating to access in relevant local development documents have been taken into account
  • state what, if any, consultation has been undertaken on issues relating to access to the development and what account has been taken of the outcome of any such consultation
  • explain how specific issues which might affect access to the development have been addressed.

For listed building or conservation area consent: 

The design and access statement shall explain how the works and access to the building (if relevant) takes account of:

  • the special architectural or historic importance of the building
  • the particular physical features of the building that justify it's designation as a listed building
  • the building's setting.

If relating to access it will also:

  • explain the policy adopted as to access, including what alternative means of access have been considered and how policies relating to access in relevant local development documents have been taken into account
  • state what, if any, consultation has been undertaken and what account has been taken of the outcome of any such consultation
  • explain how any specific issues which might affect access to the building have been addressed.

If you have queries please contact us on 01952 380380 or email planning.control@telford.gov.uk.

Last updated: 20/08/2024 17:44

  1. Introduction
  2. Contact