National Planning Policy Framework
Residential dwellings in the countryside allowed under Paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework
What is a Paragraph 84?
In exceptional circumstances, planning permission may be granted for houses in the open countryside under Paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework. This is a section within the NPPF that sets out the guidelines for planning and building new homes in isolated rural areas of England.
The conditions are:
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;
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;
The development would re-use redundant or disused buildings and enhance its immediate setting;
The development would involve the subdivision of an existing residential building; or
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.
In a framework which tends to avoid encouraging development in open countryside, NPPF 84 allows clients with rural land to own a piece of outstanding architecture.
Before moving forward with an NPPF84 project, we review the appropriateness of a site and weigh the relevant risks for the client. This ensures projects are only taken forward if there is a realistic opportunity. This has ensured our 100% approval rate for NPPF84 projects to date.
