Highlights of 2023 and a look ahead to 2024

We have enjoyed a busy year working on some inspiring projects and we are gearing up for a strong start to 2024 with some fabulous new client initiatives shaping the future of rural development.

Highlights include the completion on site of our most ambitious Paragraph 80 house yet, changes to building regulations and national planning policy, a raft of planning successes and Treasure House estates leading the way in placemaking and the continued growth of visitor experiences which allow guests to engage with nature in new ways.

Sally Ormiston, Head of Consulting reflected on estates such as Castle Howard and Chatsworth leading the way in rural placemaking.

“The value of ambitious estate-scale planning to optimise the vibrancy of rural communities and secure the future of these special places is clear. We are going into 2024 with a great cohort of longstanding and new estate clients. With planning success at Wild Ken Hill amongst others, visitor experiences inherent to the regeneration of landscapes and natural environments, and the evolution of ‘nature tourism’, will be another key focus.”

Highlights for Malcom Birks, Head of Design include the construction of a stunning, yet complex new house in an AONB, and a major extension to a Grade 2* listed Hall.

"The Design team has enjoyed a varied portfolio this year, including responding to increasing demand for buildings with high environmental credentials, and adapting to building regulation changes and the new Building Safety Act. Next year we will be on site with an innovative Passivhaus scheme, the conversion of a Victorian industrial farm complex, and a butterfly research centre.”

Having joined us in early 2023, Nicole Wright, Head of Planning reflects on a successful first year at the helm.

“Our team has managed 101 applications through to determination this year and delivered 88 planning consents for new homes, businesses, and visitor experiences. 2024 will be about helping clients respond to political and policy shifts. Whoever is in residence in Downing Street, strategic and creative approaches to planning to enable good development in the countryside will be as important as ever. With the introduction of new regulatory requirements - notably for biodiversity net gain, and opportunities that may emerge with the expansion of permitted development rights, there will be a lot to consider when looking to develop land and property in the countryside."

Contact us

Give us a call on 01756 797501 or email info@ruralsolutions.co.uk

We'd be delighted to have a chat.

Image: Future Countryside