12 Jul 2008 - APPENDIX THREE
APPENDIX THREE
Skelton Village Design Statement
The first public meeting, to discuss the feasibility of a Village Design Statement, and ascertain whether there was support for the idea, was held on 26th October 2006. A leaflet was delivered to all properties in the village. Turnout at the meeting was heartening with approximately sixty residents attending. Support was evident from a number of the local village groups, most noticeably Skelton Parish Council and Skelton Village Trust.
There were a number of informal meetings over the next few months, while people discussed their ideas of what the content of a Village Design Statement should contain. This culminated in two villagers drafting a preliminary statement as a basis for further discussion, and Steering Group being formed.
During October and November 2007, a public consultation was undertaken, with over six hundred leaflets being delivered to homes in the village. Ninety forms were returned and the comments received were discussed by the Steering Group, and amendments were made to the draft statement in light of the comments.
Involvement of the local primary school was considered key to getting the younger view, and a competition was held. At school assembly, on 22nd February 2008, Key Stage 1 pupils were invited to paint or draw what aspect of the village they liked most. Key Stage 2 pupils were asked to draw or paint what aspect of the village they liked most but were also asked to respond to three questions. The responses are summarised in Appendix Two of the draft VDS. There were three winners in each age group who were presented with their prizes at school assembly on 14th March. The winning pictures will be included in the final VDS.
The draft VDS was launched at an exhibition in the Village Hall on 29th and 30th March, 2008. Copies were handed out at the exhibition and also sent to those respondents of the previous consultation who had indicated that they wished to continue to be involved. In all nearly 120 copies were distributed. In addition the draft was accessible via both the Skelton Village Trust website and the Skelton Parish Council website. Forty responses were received.
The comments made to the consultation were considered by the Steering Group on 14th May, and changes were made to the draft in light of the comments received. The final document produced has now been submitted for consideration by the City of York Council’s Planning Committee.