The concept of Village Design Statements was introduced by the Countryside Commission, now Natural England.

They are advisory documents produced by village communities to identify local character and set out design advice to help guide new development.

Natural England summarises what a Village Design Statement covers as follows:-

*It describes the distinctive character of a village and its surrounding countryside.

*It shows how character can be identified at three levels: -

- The landscape setting of the village

- The shape of the settlement

- The nature of the buildings themselves

*A VDS sets down design principles based on the distinctive local character, to ensure that new development fits in with the character of the village.

The Rural Community Council of Essex is assisting local communities in Braintree District in the production of Village Design Statements.

Braintree District Council have approved the following Village Design Statements as material planning considerations, (which will be taken into account in determining planning applications):-

- Great Bardfield approved in July 2005

- Rivenhall approved in July 2005

- Earls Colne approved in October 2007

- Rayne approved in Novmber 2007

- Castle Hedingham approved in May 2008

- Middleton approved in August 2009