WHAT IS A VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT?

The Village Design Statement describes the visual qualities and characteristics that people value in the parish and its surroundings. Its preparation takes into account the buildings, spaces, settings and landscapes which give the village its unique characteristics, striking a balance between traditions and the demands of modern day life. It is an advisory document produced by the local community and not by the planning authority which should enable  this special character to be taken into account in the planning and design of new development. It is submitted to the District Council for adoption as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Why choose a Design Statement?

Communities choose Design Statements because they want to create a document that portrays the communities views on design in the village which can be used in the consideration of planning applications.

A Village Design Statement
	describes the qualities and characteristics that people value in their surroundings
	promotes good design of the type that is in harmony with its setting
	sets out clear and simple guidance for all types of development, based on the unique character of the parish.  
	helps to influence and manage the changes that take place in every village. 
	helps to maintain the local identity
	gives the community a recognised voice in the planning process
	supports and strengthens the role of the Parish Council when consulted over planning applications and  can provide a well informed basis for future Parish Council decisions( for example on planning applications enhancing existing services)
	enables local priorities to be considered.
	is applicable to all villages and settlements not just conservation areas.

Funding
Ideally the Parish Plan budget should allow for the Village Design Statement Draft to appear in the Parish Plan
CD Roms can be used to give to developers by the Borough Council and the VDS could go on to a website.

Processes Required
	Support from the Parish Council
	Open public meeting advertised via a flyer
      	Steering group, which could be a sub-group of the Parish Plan group.  RCC advice available
      	Village walk and photographs RCC advice available, on themes of  buildings, spaces, settings and landscapes.
	Workshop days involving the community
	Liaison with Charnwood Borough Council
	Draft report
      	Community consultation open event
      	Negotiation with Planners on Draft.
	Adoption as Supplementary Planning Guidance by Borough Council Planning Committee
	Printing
	Circulation
	Implementation
	Updates

Further information on Village Design Statements can be downloaded from Appleby Magna, Wymeswold and Rearsby, if you look on the internet on

www.applebymagna.org.uk/ 

www.wymeswold.org/ 

www.rearsby.net 

and also by going to http://www.countryside.gov.uk/ and doing a search for Village Design Statements, where detailed guidance is given.