What is a Paragraph 84 House?
A ‘paragraph 84 house’ refers to a specific policy of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which allows for planning approval to be achieved for one-off, isolated homes in the countryside, provided the criteria are met. Previously known as Para 80 / Para 79 / Para55 / PPS7 the policy is heavily geared towards design quality and improving design standards in rural areas.
The tests for the suitability of a site for this approach are tricky but Lomas and Mitchell Architects have had success with this planning policy, achieving approval at planning committee level unanimously on first application. This means that we understand how much work is required and what level of commitment is needed from clients who are thinking of taking this route.
The site has to be isolated in the first place, and whilst there is no specific definition of what this means, cases which have been tested through the planning appeals process have clarified this aspect. The proposals have to ‘significantly enhance the immediate setting’, meaning that the designs have to be carefully considered and they have to respond to the characteristics of the site and its immediate surroundings. Many Paragraph 84 houses look very different to regular houses within towns and villages and this is directly related to these special criteria.
Lomas and Mitchell Architects take a very sequential approach to Paragraph 84 projects, working through a logical series of tests, before even beginning to design a building for a particular site. In this way, we work closely with our clients to ensure that the risks involved with these complicated projects are managed carefully.
If you are thinking about building a new home in the countryside, do get in touch with us to explore how to achieve your dream home.
Designed to Meet Rigorous Planning Standards
At Lomas and Mitchell Architects, we specialise in designing countryside homes that not only blend seamlessly with their surroundings but also navigate the complexities of the planning system—especially for Paragraph 84 homes. Securing approval for new rural dwellings requires a meticulous approach, ensuring that the design demonstrates exceptional quality, sustainability, and sensitivity to its setting.
One of our standout projects began when our clients purchased an 18-acre smallholding—once part of a larger farm that had been divided and sold off years earlier. Without an existing farmhouse on the land, we embraced the challenge of creating a home that met strict planning requirements while drawing inspiration from traditional agricultural forms. Rather than opting for a conventional farmhouse, we referenced barn typology—designing a simple steel frame structure wrapped in an exceptionally well-insulated and airtight envelope using structural insulated panels (SIPs), triple-glazed composite timber and aluminum windows, and a standing-seam metal roof.