Great Maplestead

Great Maplestead

Village Design Statement

The VDS is a planning tool to manage change, expanding on local planning policies. It cannot create new local plan policy. It looks at the village in its countryside setting, the form of the settlement as a whole and the characteristics of the buildings and spaces within the village.

The Village Design Statement is steered by an independent group of villagers whose aim is to obtain the views of the village as a whole and involve as wide a section of the community as possible in its production.

It will not stop change from happening, but it can help how any change fits into the village.

An effective VDS:

• is developed, researched, written, and edited by the village.
• is representative of the views of the village as a whole and has involved a wide section of the village community in its production;
• describes the visual character of the village and demonstrates how local character and distinctiveness can be protected and enhanced in new development;
• is compatible with the statutory planning system and approved by Braintree District  Council as supporting its Local Plan;
• is applicable to all forms and scale of development;  
• is about managing change in the village, not preventing it.

A VDS gives interested parties, guidance on acceptable design from the community's point of view. It improves design in our area by being applied consistently in the development control process. It allows the council planning authorities to reject planning applications on the grounds of poor design. It will also help protect visually important buildings and open spaces.

• The Great Maplestead VDS (when completed) will be delivered, free, to every household and business address in the village

Guidance for this document is being given by the Rural Community Council of Essex and Braintree District Council - click here for further information.

The government wishes to involve rural communities in maintaining their character and managing any necessary changes without altering the uniqueness of the area. To assist with this aim, the Countryside Agency established the concept of Village Design Statements (VDS).

Gt. Maplestead VDS Commenced March 08

VDS Committee Members & contact no’s

Jean & Bill Bowers - 01787 460181

 

Julie Breed    -        01787 462847

 

Mary Elms  -           01787 461421  

Chris Hunnable  -     01787 462232

 

Paul Knight     -       01787 461836

 

Simon Last  -          01787 462957  

Dave Money  -         077330 12353

David Oakes  -        01787 461011  

Kevin Surgett -        01787 462115

Dave Turner -          01787 462047