Town and Village Design Statements

Village Design Statements and Town Design Statements provide a clear statement of the character of a particular village or town against which planning applications may be assessed.

They also provide a framework for local people to determine how their community might develop and grow and how development can be in keeping with their local surroundings.

They also help developers to understand local views and perceptions, enabling them to propose new development that will gain local support, rather than generate conflict and opposition.

Village and Town Design Statements are not about whether development should take place (this is the purpose of the Local Plan), but assess how development should be undertaken so as to respect the local identity.

Village and Town Design Statements should be used by:

• Developers when preparing to submit a planning application
• The Planning Officer when considering a planning application 
• The Planning Committee when determining planning applications within the relevant area 

You need to make reference to the relevant Design Statement within your Design and Access Statement in your planning application.

If you are interested in preparing a Village or Town Design Statement, you should, in the first instance, contact your Town or Parish Council. 

You can also consult the Village and Town Design Statement Protocol for advice and guidance.