In Practice; Understanding Paragraph 84e
Understanding Paragraph 84: What It Is and Why We Love It
At PAD studio, we passionately create homes that not only meet but exceed the highest standards of architectural design and sustainability. Paragraph 84e of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) plays a crucial role in allowing us to achieve this.
We will have at least two projects submitted for planning under Paragraph 84e in 2025. They are two very different Paragraph 84e projects, in different landscape contexts, with very different client briefs and construction budgets, which are in the design/planning stage. One in the New Forest National Park is currently in pre-application stage, and the other is on the Isle of Wight at the beginning of the concept development stage. Both projects embody our landscape-led approach and commitment to sustainability in very different ways. We will discuss these projects in more detail in parts two and three of this Insight series.
What is Paragraph 84?
Paragraph 84e of the NPPF, originally known as the ‘countryside house’ clause, has evolved through various iterations, including PPG 7, PPS7, Paragraph 55, and Paragraph 79. This special policy permits the development of isolated homes in the countryside, provided they meet exceptional standards of design and sustainability.
“Planning policies and decisions should avoid the development of isolated homes in the countryside unless one or more of the following circumstances apply: 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.” (NPPF Para 84e)
Our team at PAD studio has designed numerous homes under Paragraph 84e, each one a unique blend of innovation, sustainability, and beauty. Wendy Perring sits on the Design South East (DSE) review panel as a design and sustainability expert, reviewing many of these applications. This experience gives us a deep understanding of what it takes to design a successful project under this policy.
The Role of Design Review Panels
Design review panels play a crucial role in assessing what constitutes great design. Panels like Design South East and the Design Review Panel, composed of highly skilled professionals, understand the policy and assess the process, architectural design quality, and its impact on the landscape. Their scrutiny gives local authorities the confidence that the high bar set by Paragraph 84e has been achieved.
In our next post in this Insight series on Paragraph 84e, we will delve into the specifics of our exciting new Paragraph 84e projects on the Isle of Wight and in the New Forest National Park Authority, showcasing our landscape-led approach and commitment to sustainability.
