Planning & Listed Building Applications
Clear, compliant and design‑led access guidance for architects and developers
Inclusive design isn’t an optional extra in the planning process. For most planning and listed building applications, an Access Statement is a required component of the Design and Access Statement (DAS). Purple Pin provides specialist, professional Access Statements that help design teams demonstrate compliance, reduce planning risk and embed inclusive thinking from the outset.
Why do Access Statements matter?
Access Statements show that the applicant has understood the needs of different users and has designed the scheme to enable inclusive access to and through the site.
They are a core part of demonstrating:
• Compliance with national planning policy
• Alignment with local planning policy
• Embedding inclusive design from the outset of the design process as envisaged by the Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work
• Due consideration of service provider duties under the Equality Act 2010
A well‑written Access Statement strengthens planning submissions, reduces queries from planning officers, and supports smoother approvals.
What does Purple Pin provide?
Purple Pin delivers clear, robust and design‑integrated Access Statements tailored to your project.
This includes:
• Early‑stage advice to embed inclusive design principles
• Detailed analysis of access to, into and through the site
• Consideration of all users, including disabled people, older people, families and visitors with varied mobility or sensory needs
• Review of architectural drawings, site constraints and heritage considerations
• Integration with your Design and Access Statement
• Alignment with national and local planning policy
• Practical, proportionate recommendations that support both accessibility and design intent
What is an Access Statement?
An Access Statement forms part of a Design and Access Statement (DAS), which should be prepared in support of most planning applications. It sets out the applicant's concept and strategy in relation to accessibility and inclusion for all.
Why Work With a Specialist Access Consultant?
Appointing an NRAC accredited access professional is strongly recommended for any project requiring a Design and Access Statement.
You can expect the following from me as an NRAC Auditor:
• Expertise in inclusive design for new builds, refurbishments and historic environments
• A clear understanding of planning requirements and heritage sensitivities
• Professional, evidence‑based reporting that stands up to scrutiny
• Collaborative working with architects, planning consultants and developers
Purple Pin helps design teams demonstrate that accessibility has been considered meaningfully—not retrofitted or treated as a tick‑box exercise.
Who is this service for?
- Architects preparing planning or listed building applications
- Developers seeking to de‑risk planning submissions
- Planning consultants requiring specialist access input
- Heritage and conservation teams balancing accessibility with historic fabric
- Public‑facing venues and service providers with Equality Act duties
