The Borough Council welcomes the production of Village Design Statements (VDS). The Council is committed to the concept of locally appropriate development being based on local character. A VDS provides an assessment of village character and its surroundings, its qualities and distinctiveness and stipulates guidance for that new development to make sure it fits in with its local context. The VDS is not about whether development should take place, as that is the responsibility of the borough wide development plan. A VDS can influence and improve the quality of development that takes place in your area, so that it is harmonious with its setting and makes a positive contribution to the local environment. The people who understand local areas are local people and the Borough Council are keen to work with local people in the production of their VDS. The local community works together to produce its VDS with assistance from the Rural Community Council of Essex. The VDS will help to guide members of the community and others when carrying out physical change. With support from the Borough Council the VDS can be taken forward for adoption as planning guidance and carry weight in the determination of proposals. The Council has produced several guidance notes to assist groups in the borough in the production of a VDS. Chelmsford Borough currently has eleven Village Design Statements (VDS) approved as planning guidance. Great Waltham - adopted in January 2002 Pleshey - adopted in December 2003 Writtle - adopted in December 2003 Galleywood - adopted in February 2005 South Hanningfield - adopted in March 2005 Little Baddow - adopted May 2005 Margaretting VDS - adopted in March 2007 West Hanningfield VDS - adopted in June 2007 North End – adopted December 2007 Boreham VDS – adopted in March 2008. Good Easter VDS – adopted in June 2008. Chignals VDS - adopted in September 2009 Copies of the adopted guidance can be obtained by contacting the Planning Design on 01245 606458. There are many other VDS groups presently in operation throughout the Chelmsford Borough, who are at various stages of producing a VDS for their local area.
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