New houses in the countryside, inc. Paragraph 84 exceptions

Traditionally new homes in the open countryside have been fiendishly difficult to get planning permission for with the open countryside robustly protected from development in national and local planning policies. Largely this remains the case. However, there are some exceptions and there has been a gradual shift towards a more permissive approach for the right kind and quality of residential development proposal.

Paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy (NPPF) sets out where these exceptions may be made and include:

a) where there is an essential need for a rural worker – click here for more info;

b) the development would represent the optimal viable use of a heritage asset;

c) the development would re-use redundant or disused buildings and enhance its immediate setting – click here for more info;

d) the development would involve the subdivision of an existing residential building; or

e) the design is of exceptional quality, in that it: · is truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards in architecture, and would help to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas; and · would significantly enhance its immediate setting, and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area

Dwellings that meet the criteria at Item E are informally known as ‘exception houses’. The tests set out in this item are a very high bar which means it remains very difficult to meet this test which is why having a quality planning agent who understands housing and rural policy and politics is essential. Roseland planning being based in a rural Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the south-west and bringing 11 years of planning and housing experience to the party are therefore very well placed to make something special, and exceptional happen.

To get Council planners and the local community to make such an exception requires a positive, collaborative, creative, optimistic approach and a can-do attitude which is my forte. The emphasis must be on quality which is why getting a good planning agent who understands what is required is essential. As is a top quality architect. Roseland Planning can introduce your project to a suitable specialist architect and quickly test the feasibility of whether we can make something happen.

If you have a site in mind you’d love to try and build a home on, don’t let it just remain a pipe dream. Get in touch and lets have a chat and discuss the art of the possible.

New houses in the countryside, inc. Paragraph 84 exceptions

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