Advice for building in open countryside (NPPF: Paragraph 80)

[Zmarie]

I think we've got our heart set on building somewhere in open countryside, with beautiful scenery (and limited neighbours!)

 

Although new to self-building, I am under no illusions that securing planning permission is going to be very challenging, particularly when outside of a settlement boundary. After a couple of nights reading and researching, it seems that a route which would offer a chance of success (apart from knocking down and replacing an existing dwelling already in open countryside), is to apply for planning under Paragraph 80 of the National Planning Policy Framework:

"Paragraph 80 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides exceptional circumstances for permitting the construction of isolated dwellings within the countryside.

if 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."

 

I've seen a couple of posts with examples on here, including the stunning design below. - so looks like it can be done.

 

Being realistic...am I chasing a pipe dream here? I am all ears for advice and even alternative suggestions on how to proceed.

[Jilly]

It's definitely doable, but those houses are often megabucks, and you need the right architect.

[nod]

We’ve just start our second build -third 

We have purchased three acres of open country side 

Difficult but not impossible 

 

[Zmarie]

13 hours ago, nod said:

We’ve just start our second build -third 

We have purchased three acres of open country side 

Difficult but not impossible 

 

Exciting! Purchased with planning or did you do yourselves? Under Paragraph 80 I'm assuming?

[nod]

It had planning in principle for two detached homes Just the £500 type 

couple of squares on a field 

But lots of work done by us to get full planning 

[saveasteading]

A landowner is unlikely to sell land without permission in principle, because they can charge much more with permission.

Agricultural land is £10k and acre. With PP it  can be an awful lot, (esp in the S/SE  £1M or more)

Therefore it follows that a field bought on spec is unlikely to get permission, because the farmer will have thought of it already.

 

Nod's way is safe and sensible.

[Alfie]

We're 12 months into our planning phase for a potential para 80 house with a few months left.

 

My advice so far:

- do your research on architects with a solid track record of P55/79/80 approvals, ideally those with approvals within your planning area

- expect it to cost more to obtain planning than you think it will

- expect it to take a solid amount of time!

 

Happy to have a chat and help out with any initial questions.