Planning Permissions Secured For Design-Led Countryside Development

Little Barley End in Buckinghamshire is a non-designated heritage asset on the Buckinghamshire Local Heritage List. Built over a century ago, in the Arts and Crafts style, it is located in open countryside within the Metropolitan Green Belt, the Chilterns National Landscape and the Zone of Influence of the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation. Buckinghamshire Council refused planning permission for demolition of Little Barley End and the erection of a replacement self-build dwelling designed by David Kirkland BSc (Hons), MA(RCA), RIBA, FRSA of Kirkland Fraser Moor. The applicants appealed. On 3 June 2026, the Secretary of State’s appointed Inspector allowed the appeal and granted planning permission. In so doing, the Inspector accepted amended plans and technical notes. The Inspector also took into account a section 106 unilateral undertaking, submitted on appeal, to secure that the development would be self-build, that the proposed biodiversity net gain would be delivered and that the new building would be a whole life zero carbon building meeting the Passivhaus standard. Stephen Whale advised the applicants throughout the appeal process. 

On 4 June 2026, Stephen spoke in favour (at a meeting of the relevant West Northamptonshire Council planning committee) of a proposed NPPF paragraph 84e isolated home in the countryside designed by Kevin Brown Dip. Building Studies (Distinction), BA (Hons) Architectural Studies, BArch (First), ARB, RIBA of Collaborative Architecture. The application (reference 2024/4152/MAF) was pursued on the basis that the design is of “exceptional quality” for paragraph 84e purposes. Officers recommended refusal of the application, as did the Parish Council, despite the assessment and conclusion of the external Design Review Panel. Having heard the various submissions and debated the matter, the committee members rejected the officer recommendation and granted planning permission by 6 votes to 4. Stephen advised the applicant throughout much of the application process as well as representing the applicant at the committee meeting.

Stephen Whale has a longstanding interest and expertise in proposals for bespoke houses in the countryside, whether pursuant to NPPF paragraph 84e or otherwise, as well as planning and other legal matters in the countryside more generally. He is a member of the Agricultural Law Association and the Planning & Environment Bar Association, a Secretary of State appointed Member of South Downs National Park Authority and a consultant to JM Osborne Rural & Sporting.