We need your help!
Upham Parish Council is in the process of facilitating a new Village Design Statement as our last one was completed over 20 years ago and now needs to be updated. We are hoping that many people in the village will be keen to help: long-time residents or new to the village, young and old alike.
What is a village design statement?
A Village Design Statement (VDS) is a way for local communities to propose guidelines for the design of any new development that may take place in their area. Based on an analysis of the character of the settlement and its surroundings, a VDS adds local detail to existing planning guidance and will provide us with an opportunity to describe the special qualities of Upham that we would like to conserve for the future and not lose as a result of inappropriate development. Once updated, the VDS will help architects, developers and all those involved in making design decisions to have a better understanding of what is distinctive about Upham. It will also be used by both Winchester City Council and the South Downs National Park in evaluating planning applications.
How does the process work?
The first stage is to undertake a character survey of the village, both in terms of the character of the settlement and the immediate landscape and also the more detailed characteristics of the buildings. We are keen to record not only the factual information but also a wide range of personal and subjective responses, so we are encouraging as many people as possible to take part, either individually or in small groups.
We have divided up the village into 9 areas and have put together a series of questions for you to answer about a particular area, together with a more detailed analysis of the individual buildings there. (NB we will not need everyone to complete the more detailed survey) We will use these answers as the basis for further village meetings to agree what will be in the VDS.
How can you help?
- Download the survey documents below. They are in pdf or word formats. We can also supply hard copies for those without access to a printer.
- Register to take part: Contact Sarah Le May on 01489 860332 or lemay@btinternet.com to register or to ask any questions. We will try to allocate everyone to the area they prefer but may have to make changes to ensure every area is covered. (We are asking for a return date by Sunday 11th April.)
- Attend the Zoom webinar on Saturday 13th March at 10.30am to hear more about what we are hoping to achieve. Invitations to follow.
Thank you for your support! Help us to preserve the character of Upham!
