A Village Design Statement (VDS) describes the distinctive character of a village and it's surrounding countryside and sets out design principles to demonstrate how local character can be protected and enhanced if there is to be any new development.

The statement is developed, researched, written and edited by local people. It involves a wide cross-section of the village community in its production and is representative of the village as a whole.

Once the VDS is approved as planning guidance it is used by the local planning authority, developers, architects and residents when considering all forms and scale of development.

A village design statement does not necessarily stop change from happening but can help to define features, whether buildings or landscape, that should be conserved. Where change is contemplated the VDS is a guide to help new buildings fit into the village.

If you are thinking of beginning a VDS for your area please see the document on the right hand side of this page called 'Introduction to Producing a Village Design Statement in your Village' for guidance on how to get started.

Completed statements

A number of villages have now successfully completed Village Design Statements.

You can download completed statements below. Please note that these documents are quite large as they contain photographs and graphics.

• Askham Bryan Village Design Statement (PDF, 15 pages, 1.07 MB) 
• Askham Richard Village Design Statement (PDF, 12 pages, 2.10 MB) 
• Copmanthorpe Village Design Statement (PDF, 14 pages, 2.36 MB) 
• Dunnington Village Design Statement (PDF, 13 pages, 3.88 MB) 
• Heslington Village Design Statement (PDF, 28 pages, 1.40 MB) 
• Holtby Village Design Statement (PDF, 11 pages, 1.50 MB) 
• Knapton Village Design Statement (PDF, 20 pages, 2.47 MB)  
• Murton Village Design Statement (PDF, 23 pages, 3.42 MB) 
• Poppleton Village Design Statement (PDF, 24 pages, 2.28 MB) 
• Rufforth Village Design Statement (PDF, 12 pages, 800 KB) 

For printed copies please contact Community Planning, 9 St Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7ET, tel: (01904) 551694, email: community.planning@york.gov.uk

Statements for several more villages are in various stages of production.