Village design statement

Village design statement (VDS) is a term of English rural planning practice.[1] A VDS is a document that describes the distinctive characteristics of the locality, and provides design guidance to influence future development and improve the physical qualities of the area.[2]

Drawing up the VDS provides an opportunity for communities to describe how they feel the physical character of their parish can be enhanced. Rural community councils support local communities in the production of village design statements.[3]

  1. ^ "Community Led Planning". ACRE – Action with Communities in Rural England. 2011. Archived from the original on 5 April 2011 – via Internet Archive.
  2. ^ "Village Design Statements". Natural England. Archived from the original on 11 November 2007 – via Internet Archive.
  3. ^ "Community Led Planning". Rural Community Council of Essex. Retrieved 13 March 2023.