Projects
Country House Millhanger Farm Waverley
A client approached us with the aspiration of developing a disused poultry farm with an extant permission for one poultry unit, to provide a new dwelling. The site was located in the countryside where new residential development is strictly resisted by both local and National Planning Policy. However, National Planning Policy Framework, under paragraph 80 ( NPPF 2021), formerly paragraphs 79 & 55, allow new isolated housing in the countryside as an exception to the normal policy restraint where the house will
- be truly outstanding or innovative, helping to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas;
- reflect the highest standards in architecture;
- significantly enhance its immediate setting; and
- be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.
Therefore, to comply with the policy, the design has to be either of exceptional quality or innovative, or both. The proposed dwelling in this instance was of an Arts and Crafts design which incorporated a number of innovative elements. The proposed development also had to give due consideration to the impact on a nearby Listed Building and its setting.
The proposals provided for a truly inspirational and outstanding design which would enhance its immediate surroundings, be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the area and exhibit the highest standards of architecture. The scheme draws together in a holistic manner the highest quality of design with technological advances in construction and energy efficiency and measures for enhancing the landscape and biodiversity of the site so advancing the legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement.
