'This is truly architecture of high quality'
- planning inspector
In exceptional circumstances, planning permission may be granted for houses in the open countryside under Paragraph 80 of the National Planning Policy Framework, formerly known as Clause 55 or PPS7 Houses.
The criteria to meet these standards are very onerous. Paragraph 80 states that a new dwelling in the countryside will only be allowed under special circumstances, namely where the design is of exceptional quality or innovative, thereby helping to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas; reflect the highest standards in architecture; significantly enhance its immediate setting; and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.
In September 2012 we obtained planning consent after appeal for a house in Suffolk under this clause. It is one of the first houses in England to be granted approval under what was then clause 55 and is now Paragraph 80 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
'The timber clad west facing façade in particular would be a striking addition to the open landscape, with the interplay of the zinc boxed window and shuttered openings adding to its sculptural qualities.'
- planning inspector
'Uncompromising contemporary architecture with exemplar energy performance and zero carbon credentials'
- planning inspector
'The design embraces the site’s physical advantages (contours, orientation and views) while also introducing a dynamic composition of rectangular and semi-circular shapes and volumes partly floating and part buried beneath the ground on which it sits'
- planning inspector
'It would provide for an integrated approach to a sustainable, low energy, environmentally-friendly style of living and working'
- planning inspector
The project completed on site in early 2017
