Environment Minister Jane Davidson has reminded planners that some planning applications in Wales will require new Design and Access Statements from 1st June this year.

Design and Access Statements will now accompany planning applications and/or listed building consent. They will show how the final design was reached and contain information on the sustainability of the development.

Ms Davidson said: "The impact of climate change demands a major change in the sustainability of buildings - with improvements in the way they are procured, constructed and maintained. The introduction of the design statement will contribute to this. It will mean designers and planners will have to think about design principles and design concept that have been applied to the development proposal.

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"Greener and leaner buildings in Wales, can lead the way in the battle against climate change. The Assembly Government is determined to lead the way in improving the sustainability of buildings in Wales. Last year, we announced our 2011 aspiration for zero carbon for all new buildings. We are also pursuing devolution of the building regulations from Westminster to Cardiff to take this forward."

(CD/KMcA)