Local authorities tend to cite national policy to resist housing developments in 'isolated' settings but we are exploring the potential of the NPPF2 and its ambiguous definition of 'isolated' to design a truly sustainable house in a rural Norfolk village.
Paragraph 84
Planning policies and decisions should avoid the development of isolated homes in the countryside unless one or more of the following circumstances apply:
a) there is an essential need for a rural worker, including those taking majority control of a farm business, to live permanently at or near their place of work in the countryside;
b) the development would represent the optimal viable use of a heritage asset or would be appropriate enabling development to secure the future of heritage assets;
c) the development would re-use redundant or disused buildings and enhance its immediate setting;
d) the development would involve the subdivision of an existing residential building; or
e) 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.
You can check out the history and development of Paragraph 84 by reviewing the archived versions of the NPPF by following the link below.
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