Protecting Local Distinctiveness
Why should new housing look the same whether it's in the Cotswolds, Cumbria, or Kent? The answer of course is that it shouldn't. Settlements and buildings in the Kent Downs are distinctive from village to village and certainly have a definite Kentish look through the use of local materials and design. Built local distinctiveness is a part of Kent's heritage that is greatly valued by residents and visitors. So how should we protect it? The Kent Downs AONB wish to protect and enhance our built heritage through the promotion of Village Design Statements.

What is a Village Design Statement?

It is a document, prepared by local people, that describes the distinctive character of a village, its buildings and surrounding countryside. A VDS should supplement local planning guidelines by giving more detailed guidance on appropriate designs for any developments within the village area. Design refers to the size, shape, scale and choice of materials used, all of which local people are uniquely placed to describe.

These detailed guidelines should be used by householders, developers and the local planning authority. Development can mean major new housing projects or just small-scale additions and alterations. The document is prepared by local people in consultation with the local planning authority.

A VDS is unlike any other planning document or publication. It is the only planning advice directly applicable to the statutory planning system that is entirely community based.

What status does a VDS have within the planning system?

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 has changed the way village Design Statements can be adopted by local planning authorities. Previously they could be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance. This has been replaced by Supplementary Planning Documents which have more stringent and onerous requirements. This situation is in review.

Currently, Village Design Statements can be adopted by the local planning authority as either material considerations or as Supplementary Planning Documents. Your local planning department can advise you on which option they are currently supporting. Both ‘material considerations’ and Supplementary Planning Documents must be considered for all planning applications along with all the other relevant planning guidance.

Supplementary Planning Documents can carry slightly more weight however; the new planning legislation means that for a VDS to achieve this status the document is subject to quite complicated and unclear requirements. For this reason many local authorities currently prefer to adopt Village Design Statements as a material consideration.

What are the Benefits?

The vast majority of communities who have undertaken a Village Design Statement have found it a satisfying and useful experience. Some of the key benefits include:

• An improved relationship between the community and local authority.
• The community has a greater influence over the design of new developments.
• A Village Design Statement can help ensure a higher quality of development.
• A smoother process for development proposals through the planning system.
• Less time and money is wasted through planning objections or planning appeal.
• It supports and strengthens the role of the Parish Council when consulted over planning applications.

How much does it cost?

The main cost is time. Other costs include public meetings, and the actual printing of the document. This depends on how fancy you make the meetings and document. On average Village Design Statements cost £2,500. Many Design Groups have made substantial savings through local business sponsorships, fundraising events, and grants from organisations like the Kent Downs AONB Unit and Local Authorities. Generally communities do not find it difficult to raise enough funds to complete the project.

 How long can it take?

Usually a minimum of six months but it can take up to 2 years, it depends again on how fancy you make it and how quickly you work. Work closely with your local authority contact to make sure your drafts are ready in time for their internal consultations and for approval by the appropriate meetings of the council.

The Village Design Statement Group

Normally a Village Design Statement group is established. This is normally a core group of 6 - 12 people that is separate from but supported by the Parish Council. Various methods exist to draw in further support from the community. Sometimes this takes the form of a village character workshop where local views are sought on settlement character, buildings and landscape. The Countryside Agency Advisory Booklets give more advice on suggested formats for the workshop.

The core group don’t always do all the work by themselves, but they do coordinate the work by drawing in skills and time from other members of the community. The most important person of the VDS Group is often the Chairman. Their role is often purely one of coordination and mediation. They hold the group together and keep momentum going. They tend not to get involved in the actual VDS work.

Village Design Statement Record Book

This is your group’s most important book. It records everything and anything that your group does in relation to your VDS. It is essential because it will provide a complete record of community involvement and time spent on the project. These records will show in one book that enough community consultation has taken place for your Village Design Statement to be adopted. Time you spend on the project can often be used to claim grants against.

Potential Problems

Getting the community involved – some communities get disheartened at the level of community interest, others are surprised at the level of involvement. Either way, the important thing is to provide plenty of different opportunities for your community to become involved. In terms of community consultation this is the only requirement for adoption by your local authority. The Countryside Agency Booklet provides plenty of ideas for community events.

Keeping the momentum going – delays can be disheartening and may arise for any number of reasons; holidays, delays at the local authority, illness, etc. If your team needs to have a rest do so and set a date to restart, make a fun event – wine always helps!

To finish on a positive note the vast majority of communities in Kent have enjoyed doing their VDS and remain proud of their work and its impact. Here are a few quotes from other Design Groups who have completed their VDSs:

“In Lynsted we are already seeing the benefits of having a Village Design Statement. Prospective developers are starting to try and take account of our Design Statement and planners from the local council have been very positive about using it when considering local planning applications. It was hard work but very rewarding.”

Lis Heriz-Smith, Lynsted Parish Design Group

“The entire team have really enjoyed preparing our Parish Design Statement and getting to know more about where we live and the people who live here. We have held public meetings and workshops involving the whole community and have welcomed the input of many children and young people.”

Joan Tovey Chairman of Ospringe Parish Design Statement Team

 

Produced by the Kent Downs AONB Unit
With acknowledgments to
The Countryside Agency ‘Village Design’ CCP501.