The Rockingham Forest Trust can provide support to your group throughout the process of producing a VDS. We are happy to come and speak at your village meeting to introduce the VDS concept and advise on the best way forward. We will then support you throughout the process including giving detailed comments on the drafts of the final document.

We can also put you in touch with other people who have or are carrying out VDS projects for advice. See www.warmington.org for an example of an existing Village Design Statement, in which the Trust was involved.

It is important to seek the support and involvement of your local council from the early stages of a VDS project. This should ensure that they are happy with the process and that the VDS stays on track to achieving Supplementary Planning Guidance status.

The Countryside Agency has produced guidance on carrying out a VDS project. This guidance is an invaluable tool on which to base your project. It is available by accessing www.countryside.gov.uk then searching for Design Statements.