Paragraph 84 House
What is a Paragraph 84 house?
Paragraph 84 refers to a regulation within the government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), specifically Paragraph 84(e), that allows new dwellings to be built in isolated areas of the countryside, providing they significantly enhance their immediate setting and are of outstanding design quality. The policy was previously referred to as ‘Paragraph 80’, ‘Paragraph 79’, and before that ‘Paragraph 55’.
What type of dwelling does Paragraph 84 permit?
Paragraph 84 stipulates that local planning authorities should avoid isolated new homes within the countryside unless there are special circumstances such as the exceptional design of the proposal, in order to recognise the long English tradition of countryside homes.
The criteria for designing a Para 84 home varies for each project, yet there are several aspects that are a common thread between all successful applications: the plot ideally used to have a building within it; the site needs to have a personal narrative or backstory; the ecological and technological strategies proposed should be unique to the location, and the proposed dwelling should feel as though it is ‘connected’ to the site.
The NPPF states that in order for the proposal to be supported, the design needs to be ‘truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards in architecture, and would help to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas’. Additionally, the dwelling ‘would significantly enhance its immediate setting, and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area’.
How could I obtain planning permission for a countryside house by utilising Paragraph 84?
Owning a site with an existing building is a good starting point. A careful narrative or backstory should then be developed to inform the proposed design, based on strong personal connection to the land or area. Alongside an individual design, utilising unique technologies and ecological strategies may also improve the likelihood of consent, with environmental matters becoming ever more important. Opening up a dialogue with the local authority early on in the project is also very important, as their comments and guidance will help shape the project.
A key part of the process is ensuring a professional team is brought on board to guide clients through the lengthy and technical process. Inclume have experience in working closely with a wide consultant team, including landscape and sustainability specialists, to produce homes that are crafted and considered.
If you are interested in designing a contemporary new-build Paragraph 84 country house, do get in touch with us via our online enquiry form, email or phone, and one of our team will be happy to discuss how Inclume can assist.
