Paragraph 139 is a policy in the NPPF which can unlock rural land which wouldn't normally be eligible for building.
And we can help you do it.
How does Paragraph 139 work?
For most sites which are outside of a settlement boundary, there are limited opportunities to obtain planning permission. Paragraph 139 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is a rare exception to this, where outstanding or innovate sustainable design - a perfect match for our expertise - carries "significant" weight in the planning process.
Alongside meeting other policies, a design through Paragraph 139 must:
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reflect local design policies and government guidance on design.
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be an outstanding or innovative design which promotes high levels of sustainability.
help raise the standard of design more generally in an area.
fit in with the overall form and layout of their surroundings
Our Expertise
"Paragraph 139 supports well designed, innovative and sustainable development in a rural setting, something which we have great expertise in delivering."
Paragraph 139, introduced in the 2018 NPPF (previously paragraphs 131 and subsequently 134), focuses on outstanding or innovative sustainable design. The 2023 update strengthened its impact by emphasising local design policies and raising the weight of such design to “significant.”
While both the better known Paragraphs 84, and 139 both require high design standards, 139 emphasises fitting within the local form and layout. Unlike Paragraph 84, it isn’t an exception policy, so other planning policies still apply, but 139 this will carry significant weight, especially for rural sites which are otherwise in a planning no mans land.
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Paragraph 139 focuses on design that fits the local form and layout and is best suited to land just outside settlement boundaries where development would be perceived to be part of the existing built form. This can provide opportunities for land owners to develop land which might previously have been considered to be 'off-limits'.
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Our practice is fundamentally built on creating high quality, sustainable design with a proven track record of obtaining planning permission for well designed places which enhance their setting. This aligns with the goals of Paragraph 139.
