Paragraph 84 homes Southern England Properties, UK
9 July 2026
Design: PAD landscapes
Location: Sherfield English in Hampshire; Stapleford Grange in Norfolk; Friars Bourne in East Hertfordshire, South of England, UK
Landscape practice behind rare Paragraph 84 hat-trick
Three projects approved under one of England’s most demanding planning policies underline the importance of landscape-led design
Sherfield English in Hampshire, Paragraph 84 home in Southern England:
images courtesy of architects practice
Landscape architecture practice PAD landscapes has helped secure planning approval for three Paragraph 84 homes within the past six months, bringing the practice’s total number of successful Paragraph 84 projects to 12. The achievement further reinforces PAD’s expertise under one of England’s most rigorous planning routes for exceptional countryside homes.
Paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework permits new isolated homes in the countryside only in exceptional circumstances. To gain consent, proposals must demonstrate outstanding design quality, respond sensitively to local character and significantly enhance their setting, making landscape design a critical part of the planning case.
The approvals were granted for projects at Sherfield English in Hampshire, Stapleford Grange in Norfolk and Friars Bourne in East Hertfordshire. The projects illustrate how landscape-led design has become integral to achieving planning consent for exemplary countryside homes.
Across the three schemes, PAD landscapes developed landscape strategies integrating architecture, ecology, biodiversity and long-term stewardship, with each design tailored to its individual site while delivering long-term environmental enhancement.
Stapleford Grange in Norfolk Paragraph 84 home in Southern England:
Phil Allen, Director of PAD landscapes, said:
“Paragraph 84 sets an exceptionally high bar. Success depends on far more than outstanding architecture. The landscape must demonstrate why a proposal belongs in its setting, how it enhances the site and how it creates lasting environmental value.
“To have contributed to three successful Paragraph 84 approvals in the last six months is a significant milestone for the practice. Each project demanded a different response, but they all illustrate what can be achieved when landscape is considered from the very beginning of the design process.”
The approved schemes include:
Stapleford Grange, Norfolk – Working with Hawkes Architecture and Axiom Planning, PAD landscapes were brought into the project to help unlock a complex planning process following extensive discussions with the Council and Design Review Panel. Its landscape strategy combined woodland enhancement, orchards of rare heritage species, mixed native hedgerows and species-rich pollinator planting, helping demonstrate how the scheme would deliver long-term environmental and landscape benefits alongside exceptional design.
Friars Bourne, East Hertfordshire – The approved scheme transforms a former chicken farm into a contemporary rural home inspired by the site’s agricultural heritage. The landscape proposals include wetland creation, habitat enhancement and the remediation of a contaminated brownfield site.
Sherfield English, Hampshire – PAD landscapes undertook a detailed assessment of landscape character, ecology, settlement pattern, heritage and long-term stewardship to create a landscape-led masterplan rooted in place. Bringing these considerations together from the outset helped shape a proposal capable of meeting the exceptionally high standards required for Paragraph 84 consent.
Phil Allen added:
“The best Paragraph 84 schemes are not about placing a beautiful object in a field. They are about creating a complete proposition where architecture, landscape, ecology and long-term land management work together. That’s where landscape architects can make a decisive difference.”
PAD landscapes
PAD landscapes, formerly Phil Allen Design, is a landscape architecture practice specialising in high-quality residential, commercial, public realm and rural landscape projects. The practice creates design-led, ecologically rich landscapes that connect people, architecture and nature.
Paragraph 84 homes Southern England property news images / information received 0900726 from PAD landscapes
Location: Southern England, United Kingdom.
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