National Planning Policy
Paragraph 79: The Transition Towards Exceptional Country House Design
Introduced in 2018, Paragraph 79 refined the approach to exceptional rural homes before being updated the following year.
Formerly Known As Para 55
What is NPPF Paragraph 79?
On 24th July 2018, the Government published its updated National Planning Policy Framework and this was revised again in February 2019. The policy provision for new houses of exceptional quality of design in the countryside was contained within paragraph 79 of the former national planning policy guidance.
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 or innovative, 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.
