Parishioners, particularly those who are new to the villages, may not be aware of the existence of the Village Design Statement. The purpose of the document is to guide future development by providing a descriptive framework of the distinctive features that have shaped the Parish in the past and which are viewed as important today.

Prepared by parishioners, it represents the views of local residents and should be referred to by architects, builders, developers and by the Parish Council and Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) when considering planning applications.

The Statement has been adopted by TVBC and is to be regarded as part of the development plan system. It deals particularly with siting and design of new development and its compatibility with the best in the parish.

Attached is a copy of the document which can also be found on the TVBC website. A few copies are available free from Vernham Dean Parish Council.