A Village Design Statement describes the character of a village and its surroundings that are valued by local residents. Village communities have a unique knowledge and appreciation of their environment. A VDS can be linked directly to the formal planning system and used to influence future planning applications and decisions. Thus it offers an opportunity for local people to enter the planning process at an early stage and to make a positive contribution to the design of new development.

Most people are reluctant to see new developments change their environment. Often, they feel that recent buildings have altered the character of their surrounds for the worse. This disappointment can lead to a resistance to development in general. However, the countryside must change if it is to stay alive – farmers may need new buildings, villages need affordable housing for young families, people want to extend and alter their homes.

Whatever the scale and type of new development, we believe that two important principles apply:

• New buildings should follow the traditions of their setting.
• Standard designs, appropriate for a suburban or industrial estate, are NOT appropriate in the countryside.

Our Essex countryside and villages have their own special characteristics and all new development should work with them to reinforce local diversity, instead of spreading more suburban and standard designs.

Essex planning authorities share these ideas, but they can only give a general indication of local character in their district/borough. Our VDS will define the distinctive character of Sandon and can be used to guide all would-be developers, from householders’ alterations to large-scale and complex projects. Our VDS will make it easier for Chelmsford Borough Council to insist on new buildings that fit their location and respect the character of Sandon. Thus Village Design Statements help to defend local diversity across the county.