Nature truly is a wonderful thing; one need only watch a clip of any David Attenborough documentary to realise this. Thankfully, there are an increasing number of people realising just how important it is that we care for and nurture the planet as it has nurtured us. There is no wonder why people are drawn to the slower pace of countryside living. Especially since COVID, our team at Johnson Design Partnership has seen a rise in demand for rural new builds.
For the most part, protected land (particularly in the countryside or that which resides on the Green Belt) will often be rejected for approval for such work to be undertaken. After all, Mr Fox was cast from his home and had his tail shot off- nobody wants to think they are responsible for such a horror. However, due to the countryside new build exemption clause – Paragraph 79 and Paragraph 80. There are steps that can be taken that ultimately allow for development on these particular sites.
One of our successful Paragraph 79 and Paragraph 80 new build homes in the countryside
Paragraph 79 and Paragraph 80 are numbered as such due to its place in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It was formerly known as Paragraph 55 and whilst it may be time-consuming and challenging to qualify for approval. it is possible should the proposal’s design meet certain criteria. There’s no easy way out, there’s no shortcut home, but it can be done.
a) there is an essential need for a rural worker, including those taking majority control of a farm business, to live permanently at or near their place of work in the countryside;
b) the development would represent the optimal viable use of a heritage asset or would be appropriate enabling development to secure the future of heritage assets;
c) the development would re-use redundant or disused buildings and enhance its immediate setting;
d) the development would involve the subdivision of an existing residential building; or
e) the design is of exceptional quality, in that it:
o Is truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards in architecture, and would help to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas; and
o Would significantly enhance its immediate setting, and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.
National Planning Policy Framework, 20 July 2021, page 20.
This criteria is aimed at restricting new build projects, only allowing for those ‘of exceptional quality’, that must also ‘significantly enhance its immediate setting and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area. Designs that are ‘truly outstanding or innovative’ will raise standards of design and sustainability more generally in rural areas where there is potential for countryside new builds.
To those seeking to apply for a Paragraph 79 or Paragraph 80 project, or even those already versed with them, this may sound like a daunting set of criteria. Fear not, it all starts with a simple step.
For our experienced team, Paragraph 79 and Paragraph 80 projects are key parts of everyday work. Successfully completing many of these projects, often gaining permission for countryside new builds upon the initial proposal. This is quite impressive considering that estimated approval rates for new build homes in the countryside are less than double digits yearly.
Our track record shows there’s no lack of innovation among everyone on the team. We all work together and strive for ‘outstanding or innovative’ design throughout all our projects. You must consider how it can be detrimental to have a previously approved project inspire a new one, because this negates the idea of innovation. You don’t have to be the Picasso of the architecture world to have a rural new build project approved. But, you stand a far greater chance of showing you can indeed think outside the box.
This innovation and meeting of other criteria has numerous benefits for both our company and the community too. To pull off the tricky balancing act of maintaining a project’s considerations to a sensitive location, while simultaneously producing something that raises the standards of the rural area, is not something everybody can achieve. Our team endeavours to provide rural new build projects that exceed our client’s expectations.
Scaled 3D model, produced by our team at Johnson Design Partnership Ltd.
To have your Paragraph 79 or Paragraph 80 projects approved, contacting a team of specialists with a proven track record is a safe option. Our boss Vic Johnson says; ‘it isn’t easy- but Johnson Partnership Design enjoy the challenge of countryside new builds and are happy to help. Our dedicated team of in-house staff, backed up by specialist resources from our pre-qualified supply chain are always ready and excited for the next challenge.’
Our new build homes in the countryside benefit not just our clients, but also wider society, by finding newer and better ways to make sustainable and environmentally friendly rural new builds. This allows for our continuous innovation and development within architecture.
Successful Paragraph 79 and Paragraph 80 by our team at Johnson Design Partnership Ltd.
The timeless value of looking after ourselves and our planet is of priority to all of our team at Johnson Design Partnership. It’s about more than our business, it’s about a personal relationship with all involved, both clients and communities
