Rural Solutions

Previously, we shared a glimpse of this extraordinary country house. Still, its standout feature is worth revisiting: a jaw-dropping 12m cantilevered balcony extending over the water—a design triumph that called for an innovative structural solution. Delivering a contemporary, zero-carbon home in a protected rural landscape is no small feat. But with careful planning, architectural brilliance, and a passion for rural living, our team made it a reality. The design, inspired by organic forms in nature, harmonizes perfectly with its surroundings, blending bold architecture with the beauty of the landscape. Securing planning consent under the ‘exceptional country homes’ clause (Paragraph 84e) of the National Planning Policy Framework, this project is a testament to what’s possible when creativity and expertise meet. Explore the full story behind this stunning design (Link in comments). Malcolm Birks Photos © Tom Luddington #ArchitecturalExcellence #ZeroCarbonHome #RuralLiving

Design Show & Tell ✏️ The project, located near St Albans, involved the establishment of a series of 'realms' within the garden as well as associated renovations of several outbuildings. The different external areas each had their own identity and character inspired, in part, by Italian Roman and Renaissance gardens, as well as more contemporary exponents such as Charles Jencks. The Intention was to lift the overall experience of the garden as a place both for individual contemplation and larger-scale social events. For the latter, the garden was to also act as a backdrop for performance, whereas day-to-day it was to support an array of activities related to personal wellbeing. #RuralPlanningDesign #RuralLiving #LandscapeDesign

Landowners are preparing for the final stages of the transition from traditional farm subsidies to the new Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs). Alongside adopting regenerative land management practices, many are exploring ways to boost resilience and diversify their income by starting or growing tourism businesses. Diversification into leisure is a well-trodden path for rural landowners. However, more landowners are now seizing the opportunity to connect their evolving land management practices with the unique experiences they can offer visitors. At Rural Solutions, we are experts in rural tourism development and regenerative land management, helping landowners unlock the potential of their land and property.  Discover how we achieve this in Dawn Mercer's article. #WeAreRural #RuralLandowners #NatureTourism

The vision was for a unique eco-home situated on a prominent valley-side in a protected landscape—an ambitious goal that was far from easy to achieve. However, the resulting home stands as a remarkable testament to the design vision and the close collaboration between the architect and planner. Our exceptional planner, James Ellis, was even mentioned by name in an article published in Grand Designs Portfolio Magazine: “The property reflects the undulating rural landscape it sits in; although strikingly modern, it is never at odds with the hills and fields all around... achieved through close collaboration with the architectural firm, Architects-Group…Sadler Brown®…Design_North®, and the planning consultant, James Ellis from Rural Solutions, who provided invaluable guidance.” Image credit: The Modern House Request a portfolio of our work on Individual Country Homes by emailing us at info@ruralsolutions.co.uk. Read more about this project (link in comments). #WeAreRural #GrandDesigns #PlanningConsultants

New Year, New Career? Are you a planner, architect, or landscape architect with a passion for delivering exceptional client service? Do you have the creativity and determination to design and deliver high-quality development projects in some of the UK’s most cherished rural landscapes? If so, we’re hiring for the following roles:  👉 Senior Planner  👉Senior Architect  👉Landscape Architect - Working flexibly from our HQ in the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales, we collaborate on a wide variety of projects across the UK, including: - Individual country homes and quality housing for rural communities.  - Leisure, tourism, and commercial developments that support enterprise in the countryside. - Innovative energy projects, land-use change, and landscape recovery initiatives. Our rural planning and design expertise allows us to create outstanding projects in some of the UK’s most scenic heritage and landscape settings. If you’re an accomplished professional with a love for the countryside and ready to take the next step in your career, visit our website to learn more (link in comments). We can’t wait to hear from you!  #WeAreHiring #PlanningAndDesign #CareerOpportunities #RuralDevelopment

In this Newsletter, we hear from James Ellis as he discusses the New National Planning Policy Framework.

🎄Season's Greetings🎄 With best wishes for Christmas and New Year. From all of us at Rural Solutions. Our last working day will be Monday 23rd December to give our team a well-deserved break. We will reopen on Thursday 2nd January 2025.

1 new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)   Move aside Radio Times, this is the only Christmas entertainment we need.  For the second year running, as if the seasonal excitement wasn’t already enough, we have a new NPPF!   For those who don’t get quite as giddy about such things as us, the summary is that overall, this new planning framework is good news for those looking to develop rural land and property.   There is a lot to be optimistic about, and this ‘growth focussed’ NPPF brings numerous policy changes and could have significant impacts for many rural places. Given the extent of the overall scope of the changes there are significant opportunities for rural landowners ready to respond to them and maximise the potential benefits they might bring to rural areas.   James Ellis shares his thoughts on the implications of the new NPPF in his recent blog (link in comments), outlining the main changes and opportunities relating to:   Housing development - Mandatory housing targets and big increases for some rural authorities which will require a review of land supply. - New local plans and stricter requirements for local authorities to update and adopt these.   Green belt - Development to be allowed in green belt in certain circumstances with a new ‘grey belt’ classification for ‘lower value’ green belt land. - Development of brownfield and infill sites considered appropriate unless there is a substantial impact.   Renewable energy - Increased support for low-carbon energy development with the de-facto ban on onshore wind turbines removed.   Flood Risk - Some development will be permitted in flood risk zones. - Development allowed on some sites with some flood risk within the boundary, where no built development is in the affected area.   If you want to understand the opportunities presented by these changes, please get in touch, we would be happy to help you look at your options.   James Ellis William Fry Nicole Wright Duncan Hartley Shelley Jones   #RuralPlanning #RuralHomes #RuralEstates

2,500 rural homes   This year, we have submitted over 75 rural development sites as part of the Local Plan ‘call for sites’ consultations. When developed, these sites could create up to 2,500 new homes, with the potential to deliver up to 1,000 much-needed affordable homes for rural communities.   Alongside housing, we have submitted sites for development, including renewable energy, self-build, community facilities, commercial, and tourism, all contributing to creating thriving rural places.   With the launch of the new National Planning Policy Framework and new mandatory housing targets, we are going to see many more local development plans under review as planning authorities consider the land supply needed to meet new housing targets. This presents opportunities for rural landowners to consider how their land may be suitable for development to meet local priorities.   With an urgent need for affordable homes, homes to encourage families to stay in or move to rural communities, and homes suitable for an ageing population in rural areas, local authorities will be looking for sites to accommodate new housing developments.   Estate-led strategic housing development tends to demonstrate higher design and build quality, making proposals appealing to planning authorities. For estates, high-quality housebuilding can be an attractive way to unlock land value, generate capital for reinvestment, and support the long-term sustainability of local communities.   If you are considering strategic development opportunities in 2025, get in touch, we would be happy to help you look at your options. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d9JGqGGt   James Ellis William Fry Nicole Wright Duncan Hartley Shelley Jones   #RuralPlanning #RuralHomes #RuralEstates

3 new teammates New year, new job? Today on our Christmas countdown we’re looking for three people to join our team. Are you a planner, architect, or landscape architect with a passion for standout client service? Do you have the creativity and tenacity needed to imagine and deliver high quality development projects in some of the country’s most treasured rural landscapes? If so, check out the three roles we are currently hiring for: 📗Senior Planner ✏️Senior Architect 🐝Landscape Architect Operating flexibly from our HQ in the Yorkshire Dales, we work across the UK on a diverse and interesting range of projects: 🏡From one off individual country homes to quality housing for rural communities. ⛺Exciting leisure and tourism schemes as well as commercial developments designed to enable enterprise to thrive in the countryside. 🍃Innovative energy schemes, land use change and landscape recovery projects. Our specialist rural planning and design capabilities see us working in some of the country’s finest heritage and landscape settings so if you are an accomplished professional with an affinity for the countryside looking to further your career then check out our website (link in comments). We look forward to hearing from you. #WeAreHiring #JobOpportunities #RuralSector