Village Design Statements and Parish Plans

Village Design Statements (VDS) are very specific documents focussed solely on the design of the built environment in a village.

The remit of the Parish Plan is much wider than a VDS, covering all aspects of village life, from local transport provision to shops and community facilities. The aim is to devise an evolving action plan (similar to a company’s business plan) based on the key issues and needs identified by the community. This usually takes the form of a table outlining specific projects to tackle these issues. It should be adopted by the Parish Council as a business plan, but they are not responsible for all of the actions within the plan. Different groups should take individual projects forwards, for example, the youth group would take forward a plan for a new youth shelter. The Parish Council can support the projects and may be able to contribute funds towards them.

A Village Design Statement project can run alongside a Parish Plan project, or could stem from the Parish Plan process if the design of future building development emerges as a major concern amongst villagers.

If a Village Design Statement is produced as part of a Parish Plan project then just that specific section will be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

The Parish Plan can also influence policy through your local authorities Community Strategy, which should in turn feed into the Local Development Framework.

Which one is for us?

This depends very much on the issues of most concern in your local community, but remember they are not mutually exclusive- you can always do both. A Parish Plan project may be a good way of establishing the level of concern over design of future building, in relation to other issues in the village. It is important to establish this, as the enthusiasm and interest of the local community is a key ingredient for a successful project.

For more advice on the best approach for your village contact Northants ACRE.

Village Design Statements and Parish Plans – what's the difference? These links and contacts are specific to the Rockingham Forest area.

Village Design Statements (VDS) are very specific documents focussed solely on the design of the built environment in a village. The remit of the Parish Plan is much wider than a VDS, covering all aspects of village life, from local transport provision to shops and community facilities. The aim is to devise an evolving action plan (similar to a company’s business plan) based on the key issues and needs identified by the community. This usually takes the form of a table outlining specific projects to tackle these issues. It should be adopted by the Parish Council as a business plan, but they are not responsible for all of the actions within the plan. Different groups should take individual projects forwards, for example, the youth group would take forward a plan for a new youth shelter. The Parish Council can support the projects and may be able to contribute funds towards them. A Village Design Statement project can run alongside a Parish Plan project, or could stem from the Parish Plan process if the design of future building development emerges as a major concern amongst villagers. If a Village Design Statement is produced as part of a Parish Plan project then just that specific section will be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance. The Parish Plan can also influence policy through your local authorities Community Strategy, which should in turn feed into the Local Development Framework. Which one is for us? This depends very much on the issues of most concern in your local community, but remember they are not mutually exclusive- you can always do both. A Parish Plan project may be a good way of establishing the level of concern over design of future building, in relation to other issues in the village. It is important to establish this, as the enthusiasm and interest of the local community is a key ingredient for a successful project. For more advice on the best approach for your village contact Northants ACRE.