Defined village distinctiveness as the “physical character”, as seen by inhabitants and other users. Community led planning efforts that seek to provide place-specific guidelines to ensure the sensitivity of design and development to local distinctive character. This obviously means that the local public must continue to play a leading role in the formulation of VDSs and other related efforts. Essential that guidance and planning practices relating to design and local distinctiveness must seek to find and employ novel and appropriate tools to break down barriers between professionals and the public in conversations around the intangible qualities of places .