Village design statements

Village design statements are a way for local communities to understand and influence the design of buildings and spaces in their village. They are written by local people, sharing expertise, knowledge and skills plus enthusiasm and enjoyment of their surroundings.

To date, the council has adopted eight village design statements (VDSs) as supplementary planning guidance. These are:

• Bothenhampton: includes parish plan (2003)
• Bradford Peverell (2000)
• Charminster (2004)
• Loders (2000)
• Osmington (2003)
• Piddle Valley (2004)
• Walditch: includes parish plan (2004)
• West Stafford (2003)

With the introduction of current planning system, the council can no longer adopt VDSs as non-statutory supplementary planning guidance. However VDSs remain an important expression of local opinion that should influence the planning system, both through their input into the community plan, and as a reference document (showing general agreement by the local community) which will be a material consideration in planning decisions. When deciding the influence of these documents, consideration will be given to their conformity with the local plan and extent and response to public consultation.

Further guidance on preparing a Village Design Statement is available by downloading the "VDS Toolkit". 

Neighbourhood Plans are likely to supersede the development of Village Design Statements - more details can be found on our Neighbourhood Planningpage.

• Name: Local Policy (West Dorset)
  Email: local.policy@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 252386
  Fax: 01305 251481
  Full details for Local Policy (West Dorset)