Great News! AR Design Studio has secured Paragraph 84 planning permission on two new houses in Surrey
At AR Design Studio we are excited to announce we have secured Paragraph 84 planning permission for two houses on a site in the Surrey countryside.
Paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is one of the most exciting and aspirational policies in the UK planning system. Formerly Paragraph 79, it creates a rare and genuinely inspiring opportunity: the chance to secure planning permission for a new, architecturally exceptional home in the open countryside.
Far from being a planning anomaly, Paragraph 84 is about celebrating great design, rewarding ambition, and setting a higher standard for rural architecture. Viewed through both a personal and commercial lens, it represents possibility, creativity, and long-term value.
What Makes Paragraph 84 So Special?
Paragraph 84 allows isolated homes in the countryside where the proposal is:
Truly outstanding or innovative
Of exceptional quality
Sensitive to its landscape setting
Capable of enhancing its immediate environment
This is intentionally a high bar, but that’s precisely what makes it so appealing. Rather than resisting development, Paragraph 84 actively encourages better development. It shifts the planning conversation away from restriction and towards opportunity, creativity, and excellence.
The Personal Perspective: Creating Something Truly Meaningful
On a personal level, Paragraph 84 is about more than building a house, it’s about creating a home with purpose, identity, and longevity. Many people drawn to this route are motivated by the chance to live somewhere that genuinely reflects their values and lifestyle.
Common personal drivers include:
Designing a one-off, deeply personal home
Building a long-term or “forever” home
Living in harmony with a cherished landscape
Embracing sustainability, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design
While the process is undoubtedly rigorous, it is also hugely rewarding, often resulting in homes that feel grounded, timeless, and completely site-specific. For many, the planning journey becomes part of the story—one that adds meaning and pride to the finished home.
The Commercial Perspective: High Standards, High Rewards
From a commercial standpoint, Paragraph 84 offers a compelling proposition. Yes, it requires upfront investment and careful risk management -but when done well, the rewards can be exceptional.
Key commercial benefits include:
Significant Land Value Uplift: Securing Paragraph 84 consent can transform low-value land into a premium asset.
Strong Market Appeal: Approved schemes attract design-conscious buyers and international interest.
Reputation and Credibility: Successful projects enhance the profile of architects, developers, and landowners alike.
Long-Term Value: These homes often outperform the market due to their rarity, quality, and planning pedigree.
Importantly, Paragraph 84 success tends to follow clarity of intent. Schemes rooted in genuine design ambition consistently outperform those driven purely by speculation.
Design Excellence: The Common Thread
Whether viewed personally or commercially, design quality sits at the heart of every successful Paragraph 84 project. This is a policy that rewards originality, intelligence, and sensitivity to place.
The strongest schemes usually demonstrate:
A clear and compelling design narrative
Deep understanding of landscape and context
Innovative approaches to materials, construction, or sustainability
A confident architectural vision, often supported by design review
Rather than being a constraint, these requirements give projects their strength—and ultimately, their value.
A Policy Built on Alignment
Paragraph 84 works best when personal ambition and commercial logic align. When a genuine desire to create something exceptional is matched with sound professional advice and realistic financial planning, the outcome can be extraordinary.
At its best, Paragraph 84 delivers homes that elevate rural architecture, enrich the landscape, and stand the test of time. For those prepared to embrace its challenge, it remains one of the most positive and rewarding planning opportunities available today.
