Para 79

'Para 79' can often help when looking to develop property, particularly in isolated rural areas.

Para 79 refers to the National Planning Policy Framework which defines it and this is used to guide local planning authorities on how they should design their local plan and make decisions.

Para 79

Para 79: Planning policies and decisions don't have to avoid the development of isolated homes in the countryside as long as the design is truly outstanding or innovative and would significantly enhance its immediate setting, and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.

In practice this means that if you have an outstanding and innovative design that significantly enhances its immediate setting, even if it is isolated or rural, then you have a good chance of getting it through under Para 79.

One thing that helps with these concepts is having sustainability at its core. We are still at the early stages of energy and home occupancy sustainability, and the goal of net zero carbon. Building this into the fabric of the building and the site, in how the house is designed, is still deeply innovative because the technology and particularly the application of technology changes all the time. It also enhances the immediate setting when done correctly.

Sustainability itself is also a huge topic for Planning Officials. If a development is not 'sustainable' in its wider meaning, Planning Officials should say no - the NPPF is very much pushing for all development to be sustainable.

That's where we come in.

We believe that incorporating sustainability from the outset works far far better than trying to bolt it on to a pre-formed design. We use the walls as energy sources, we use the site as an integrated part of the energy mix, and we optimise key design concepts to allow for developments that are not just Net Zero, but actually reverse climate change drivers - all carried out sympathetically to the immediate setting and the cultural landscape.

We work with architects, structural engineers, landscape architects, planning consultants, and design authorities. We work with them to assure the best societal outcome of the right development in the right place for the right reasons. From how the building is technically constructed to how it is finished to how it is landscaped.

All of which helps significantly in achieving outstanding and innovative design, sympathetically.