Supporting document types

The design of a development refers to the visual and practical aspects of the project. These influence the feasibility of the development when complete in areas such as transport, fire safety, sound and light. Proof that these have been adequately considered in the planning stage is often required and can be submitted using the supporting documents. Find more information below for each supporting document type.

Acoustic report

An acoustic report may be required due to concerns that the development will create or be affected by adverse noise conditions. This noise may be industrial, commercial or transport related.

The report aims to establish how developers have considered existing noise and the impact of the proposed changes. Any issues should be raised with mitigation techniques suggested. An acoustic report should be carried out by a qualified acoustic consultant and may be required due to planning conditions. 

Archaeological assessment

Archaeological assessments assess the potential impact of a development on heritage assets. Measuring the significance of archaeological feature and any potential constraints that arise.

Civil Aviation Authority notice

A Civil Aviation Authority notice should be provided for applications which effect the replacement, installation or alteration of a communications mast resulting in an increase in height within 3km of an aerodrome.

This is only relevant where no planning permission is required, or permission is granted through a development order. 

Daylight or sunlight assessment

Daylight and sunlight assessments may be required when the proposed development will negatively impact the levels of light on neighbouring properties. The height of the proposal, window orientation and proximity of neighbouring properties will all have an impact. If there’s chance of poor light in the development, then the assessment must include the same information about the development itself.

The assessment should include the existing and expected levels of light, as well as any effect this will have on surrounding properties. Followed by a plan for the reduction of any negative impacts.  

Design and access statement

(Also known as: DAS) 

A design and access statement (DAS) should be supplied with any major development planning application and listed building consent applications. Some smaller developments in conservation areas or World Heritage sites may also require a DAS.

A DAS must explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development. It must also demonstrate how the proposed development’s context has influenced the design. The Statement should explain the applicant’s approach to access and how relevant local plan policies have been considered, any consultation undertaken in relation to access issues, and how the outcome of this consultation has informed the proposed development. Applicants may show how any specific issues which might affect access to the proposed development have been addressed.

The level of detail in a design and access statement should be proportionate to the complexity of the application but should not be long. For most straightforward planning applications, the DAS may only need to be a page long. 

Design statement

The design statement relates to the physical and visual impact of the development. Explaining the underlying principles of a development and the reason behind its design. The statement should show how the surroundings of the site have been considered, and the context of the location promoted through the new development.  

If any consultation around the design has been used and issues arisen as a result then these should be included, with potential changes or mitigation applied.

Fire statement

A fire statement is required when a building is either, over 18 metres in height or more than seven storeys; and contains two or more dwellings or is educational accommodation. This may also be applicable if the proposal is deemed a major application under the London Plan.

The statement should detail the site plan with appropriate measures such as fire safety points and appliance locations. Followed by fire mitigation techniques which will be used.

Detailed government guidance¹ is available to help you with your application.

Lighting assessment

(Also known as: lighting scheme) 

Lighting assessments are used on any proposal which includes the installation of external lighting or flood lighting. Allowing the local authority to understand the potential changes the lights will make. 

Relevant information which should be included in the assessment are as follows:

• The proposed equipment and design
• Impact on surrounding neighbours and properties
• Mitigation measures for any issues
• Layout of the beam orientation
• Hours of operation
• Light spillage, light levels and column heights 

Noise impact assessment

Any proposed development which will create an unusual amount of noise will be required to submit a noise impact assessment. This is classed as any noise above the level of background noise, which will have an adverse effect on the surrounding areas. The assessment may also be applicable where the development itself is noise sensitive. 
Within the noise impact assessment, you will be expected to show:

• The current noise levels
• Expected noise levels
• Sources of noise 
• Potential noise mitigation measures 
• A site map proposing the location and layout of any noise generating areas. 
• An assessment may require calculations and detailed modelling. 

Detailed government guidance² is available to help with your application.

Parking provision - details

(Also known as: parking provision or parking and access details) 

Details of parking are required for any application where parking and access are part of the proposal. Whether this be the creation or removal of spaces or an increased requirement for parking.  
The following may help support your application: 

• Proximity to car parks and public transport
• Including the number of spaces and length of stay
• Any on-street parking
• Distance from the site to facilities and town centres 

The parking should form part of a larger transport consideration which helps promote sustainability. 

Sound insulation requirements

Certain developments which require prior approval applications may need to prove they meet sound insulation requirements. If a development is likely to produce unusual levels of noise, then this will be applicable.

An assessment should be carried out by a qualified acoustician, this is done in line with the related building regulations (Approved Document E³). Aiming to reduce disturbance caused to others in or outside of the building.

Transport assessment

A transport assessment is required for any development which creates large or unusual amounts of traffic in the surrounding area or impacts junctions which are exceeding capacity. Within the assessment, the following information will be required:

• Details about the development and transport access
• How this will impact other surrounding properties
• An estimate of the traffic created
• Accessibility and safe access to the site
• Consideration of sustainable and environmental solutions

Government guidance on transport assessments⁴ is available to help with your application.

Travel plan

A travel plan is required when significant amounts of transport are generated by a proposal. The level of traffic needed for a travel plan is decided on a case by case basis by the local authority, with the aim of reducing the economic, environmental and social impacts of the development. Focusing on long term sustainability within travel.

The plan should include existing data about the travel habits in the area and the forecast level of trips generated by the development. With resulting proposals for a reduction of travel and increased public transport usage. 

Government guidance on travel plans⁵ is available to help with your application.

Ventilation and extraction statement

Any development which proposes installation of extraction, ventilation or air conditioning will be required to submit a ventilation and extraction statement. 
The statement should include:

• The positioning of the equipment using elevation drawings 
• The noise created before and after the development
• How noise issues will be mitigated
• Any odour prevention techniques

Utilities statement

The utilities statement shows how a proposal will connect to existing utility systems and that this will not cause excess stress on them. Proved through consultation with the services providers. Additional requirements place on utility companies such as equipment should be accounted for. Plans must attempt to avoid damage to the environment and archaeological areas when providing the services.  

This relates to:

• Electrical
• Telecommunications
• Gas
• Water 

1. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/997770/Fire_statement_form_-_guidance.pdf
2. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/noise-impact-assessments-involving-calculations-or-modelling
3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/approved-documents/part-e-resistance-to-the-passage-of-sound/approved-document-e
4. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-plans-transport-assessments-and-statements#transport-assessments-and-statements
5. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-plans-transport-assessments-and-statements#travel-plans