VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT MEETING

13 people attended this meeting, together with Robert Bosworth who initially chaired it. Apologies were received from Robert and Jane Brant, Robert and Jackie Johnson and Steve Cheeseman.

Reference was made to the initial meeting on 12^th September when presentations were made by Jane Ivens of RFT and Sian Bowdler of Northamptonshire ACRE. At this meeting it was decided to go ahead with a VDS. Subsequently the Parish Council agreed that a VDS would be beneficial and it was decided to proceed. This was with the stipulation that a committee was set up as a separate entity, but reporting back to the Parish Council. It would be up to this committee to advertise meetings and ensure that they were open to the public.

Discussion then ensued concerning the place of a VDS and how effective it could be in influencing the planning process. It was agreed that whereas it might never prevent development, it could influence it and preferred types of development could be put forward. To obtain weight it would need to be adopted by ENC as Supplementary Planning Guidance. This would necessitate the involvement of the local planning authority who would need to be kept informed all the way along. Views of the village in general would need to be widely publicised and canvassed in order to make the VDS the view of as many people as possible.

Concerns were expressed over the amount of time that might be involved and it was felt that it would be useful to look at other VDS’s and establish the likely amount of work that one would involve. Concern was also over the fact that preparation could take up to 2 years and what would happen with planning decisions in the meantime. It was felt that the continuing involvement of the Planning Authority could negate this concern to some extent.

Nominations were then asked for a Chairman. Mrs Reed proposed and Mr Constant seconded that Mr Du Croz stand. AIF. Mr Du Croz agreed and took over the chairmanship of the meeting from Mr Bosworth. A Secretary was requested, but there were no offers at this point. Mr Du Croz suggested that two people could share this job. Discussion of the formation of the group ensued with various offers of expertise including knowledge of traditional building in stone, digital photography, canvassing, large format colour printing, web sites and landscape architecture. It was suggested that Mr Daniels could be approached as the village historian and Mr Bosworth offered to assist in this area as well. Mr Du Croz suggested that the VDS should include the natural environment as well as the built environment. It was suggested that some archaeological input may be a good idea.

Funding was briefly discussed. Initially the Parish Council could be approached for start up funds. Funding could then be applied for from such bodies as the Countryside Agency, Vital Villages and the lottery.

It was agreed that the next meeting would be sometime in the week beginning 12^th November. Representatives from ACRE, RFT and ENC would be invited and the date would depend on their commitments and when the Village Hall is free.(This meeting has subsequently been arranged for Thursday 29^th November at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall). Mr Du Croz asked that everyone took responsibility for ensuring that as many people attend this meeting as possible. In the meantime, copies of the ENC booklet covering the key issues of the local plan will be obtained possibly from the Roadshow which will be visiting Warmington on Wednesday 24^th October. Copies of the RFT publication “Building on Tradition” will also be obtained.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.