It is regularly that architects and professionals within the construction industry are required to prepare contributions to the Design and Access Document that accompanies planning applications for new developments.
The document is aimed at the planning officers that will be assessing the suitability of the development in its context and it involves typically :
- a good site analysis that includes a historical assessment,
- a record of the consultation process,
- a description of the design process and development of strategies with the input of various consultants
- and finally a description of the design.
( CABE published a great booklet on this topic that can still be found here )
As I was writing one myself , it has occurred to me that with as many resources that there are available on the internet to assist us with the preparatory work, it is odd to not find a post that offers TOP Design and Access Statement writing tools… These are my favourite… for LONDON
Beautiful maps (more than google anyway) with relevant information to do with context)
Townscape:
Aerial views to asses the impact on the surrounding townscape : bing
London strategic views information
Theory: Architecture Theory
Trasport:
PTAL ratings (Public transport accessibility level …assessments)
Public transport by TFL
Historical Context:
Historical maps to understand the urban grain and its evolution : Mapco, MappaLondon , Locating London, Mapping London, Maps of London, British Library, Ancestry
Borough specific maps: Southwalk (historical), Southwalk (contemporary)
Historical photos: Museum of London, LBC , Images of London and Spitafields Life
Secured by Design:
Met police crime plan (to give context to the Secure by design discussions)
Environmental:
Open spaces and wild life information to avoid surprises
Miscellaneous:
Finally, Bomb surveys
Photography by Cristina Lanz-Azcarate
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