Building in Arcadia

Introduction

The English, perhaps more than any other nation in the world, are deeply attached to the notion of Arcadia, an idealised rural landscape that epitomises national identity. We are, however, frequently blind to the actual nature of the countryside, the incremental changes that progress has brought, and we resist new development as if it is an intrusion into an unspoiled landscape. This type of thinking has framed local planning polices and decisions for decades, and now threatens the nation’s ability to provide enough homes and keep small rural communities alive

Consequently, obtaining planning consent for any building in the countryside can be very difficult. Local policies are frequently out of step with the intent of national ...