The attractive village of Westow, near Malton, looks set to have it's unique rural atmosphere preserved for many years after residents and councillors agreed on a Village Design Statement (VDS).

The idea of a VDS is to offer guidance on building design, renovation and conversion, to ensure the village's characteristics, built up over hundreds of years, do not die out.

As well as being accepted by the villagers, Ryedale District Council has agreed to use the VDS as supplementary planning guidance.

It was produced by the villagers themselves, working alongside specialist district council officers.

Project Co-ordinator, Tony Manging, said the VDS has been built on an appreciation of the past, and will safeguard and reinforce the individual character of Westow.

He added: "As residents, we wanted to contribute the views, local knowledge and interests of the villagers, to influence and guide future development, so it is more likely to be acceptable to the majority of residents."

District Council Plans and Conservation Manager Julian Rudd said: "The statement sets out the key aspects of design in the village in an easily understandable and attractive way. I'm sure that it will be of considerable help to local householders, landowners and developers, as well as greatly assisting the council."