PRESS RELEASE

THE BILLERICAY DESIGN STATEMENT ASSOCIATION c/o The Loft, Crown Yard, High Street, Billericay CM12 9BX Wednesday 14 November 2007 PRESS RELEASE BDS Road Shows at High Street Church The initial round of public consultation for the Billericay Design Statement is drawing to a close. The last two road shows will take place in St Mary Magdalen Church in the High Street over the next month. One will be on Saturday 24 November from 10am to 5pm. The same afternoon, at 3.30pm, Father Christmas will be in front of the Chequers pub, opposite the Church, to switch on the Christmas lights. He will be escorted by the Town Crier and additional entertainment is laid on. On 5 December the annual Billericay Christmas Fayre takes place. The High Street will be shut to traffic from 5.30pm. The BDS road show will be in the entrance of St Mary Magdalen from then until 9pm, distracting shoppers from their mince pies. The road shows are designed to let residents say what they think about building styles, roads, public transport, green belt, schools and other issues which affect the whole of Billericay as well as the High Street area. Displays highlight the changing face of the Town and representatives will be on hand to answer questions and explain the objectives. The Design Statement is a document intended to supplement Basildon District Council's planning guidance within the Local Development Framework. It sets out the specific nature of the buildings and landscape which makes the town distinctive, with recommendations on how to encourage new development which will enhance and complement the existing environment. It will offer guidance to landowners, architects, builders and homeowners when preparing proposals and making alterations. The document will facilitate approval of planning applications and discourage unsympathetic developments. The Billericay Design Statement is being prepared by an independent Steering Group, a voluntary partnership of key members of the community, including the private sector, with support from Town and District Councils. Those people unable to attend the road shows can access the BDSA website at www.billericaydsa.org.uk to take part in the consultation. All questionnaires should be returned by the end of December for inclusion in the Statement. For more information, contact Lynda Kelly on 01277 622618.