



EXCEPTIONAL COUNTRY HOUSES
PARA 80, REPLACEMENT HOUSES, ECO-HOUSES
EXCEPTIONAL COUNTRY HOUSES
PARA 80, REPLACEMENT HOUSES, ECO-HOUSES
EXCEPTIONAL COUNTRY HOUSES
PARA 80, REPLACEMENT HOUSES, ECO-HOUSES
EXCEPTIONAL COUNTRY HOUSES
PARA 80, REPLACEMENT HOUSES, ECO-HOUSES
An exceptional new and replacement country house project is arguably one of the most interesting residential projects to work on.
The inspiration and ambition of a client combined with the innovation and skill of talented and creative landscape architects and architects produces something remarkable and original, something that will delight.
The outcome can be a striking and significant statement on the landscape that may be enjoyed, admired and applauded for generations, finding its way to becoming a part of British heritage.
Rural Solutions is unique in providing expert planning and ecology services, alongside architecture and landscape architecture services under one roof. Our professionals are national leaders in the delivery of this specialised form of development – new country houses.
Our Projects
Replacement House - Gloucestershire
Ribble Valley - 01
Replacement House Garden Masterplan - 01
Rural Solutions - Wield Wood - 01
Replacement House - Cotswolds AONB
Latest News

NPPF PARAGRAPH 80E: THE VALUE OF A COORDINATED TEAM
A Paragraph 80e project is much more than an architectural statement. It is a collective solution developed by a mix of experienced planning, architectural and landscape consultants, supported further by ecological, arboriculture and heritage information.

NPPF PARAGRAPH 80E: ACHIEVING A SIGNIFICANT LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT – HOW SHOULD THIS BE APPROACHED?
Achieving and evidencing a significant enhancement within the landscape as part of the P80e proposals is one of the hardest challenges and easiest to overlook. Our research has taught us that failing to provide a significant landscape enhancement is one of the most common reasons for a planning refusal.

NPPF PARAGRAPH 80E: SENSITIVITY TO THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LOCAL AREA – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
A key requirement of a P80e proposal is to demonstrate the vision is sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area. So, what are the defining characteristics?

NPPF PARAGRAPH 80E: SITE SELECTION – WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Selecting a site for a potential house is the key starting point when considering undertaking a Paragraph 80e project. Site selection will influence every aspect of the architectural and landscape design process but more importantly, influence the wellbeing of those lucky enough to live in the final home.
COUNTRY HOUSE OF EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY
In the 1990s, new Government planning policy unexpectedly emerged seeking to resurrect the tradition of the English Country House. That policy, often termed ‘The Gummer Clause’ (after the then Secretary of State), has been maintained and varied many times and now finds its description at Paragraph 80 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It is here to stay and states that isolated homes in the countryside will be permitted if the following circumstances apply:
80. 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.
The challenge in meeting these policy tests is considerable. The design bar is set incredibly high in seeking to attain a scheme that is truly outstanding or innovative. Expert guidance is required. Rural Solutions is the leading national planning and landscape practice in achieving schemes that become a reality in this discrete policy area. We are unique in providing both the necessary planning and design expertise in house. Our approach is one which enables all professionals to achieve a scheme that is more than the sum of its parts – one that is truly outstanding.
KEY

Para 79e

Replacement Country House

Eco-House
