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Planning Advice Note Housing in the Countryside
Rural development
Problems to solve
For over 10 years, PAN 36 has had some positive impact on new housing development but, nethertheless, concerns remain:
- an inability to understand designs particular to local areas;
- development plans and supporting guidance not always sufficiently clear about the standards required;
- a lack of confidence in articulating and holding out for quality design, and following through to appeal, if necessary;
- an over reliance on houses not designed specifically for the site; and
- roads and drainage engineers using urban solutions rather than having greater flexibility to reflect local circumstances.
It is therefore appropriate to restate the importance of quality development in the countryside by expanding on the messages in PAN 36.
a rise in the number of people wishing to live in the countryside
Changing circumstances
One of the most significant changes in rural areas has been a rise in the number of people wishing to live in the accessible parts of the countryside while continuing to work in towns and cities within commuting distance. Others wish to live and work in the countryside. These trends derive from lifestyle choices and technological changes which allow working from home. More people are now also buying second or holiday homes. In addition, leisure and tourism businesses have been increasingly active, for example through timeshare and chalet developments. It is for planning authorities to assess these demands and decide how, and where, to accommodate them.
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Self catering units, near Auchterarder, Perth & Kinross | Contemporary artist's studio and home, Perth & Kinross |
Opportunities
Some landscapes will probably have to accommodate considerable change in the coming years. This change needs to be planned and managed so that the effects are positive. Buildings in rural areas can often be seen over long distances and they are there for a long time. Careful design is essential. Traditional buildings can be an inspiration but new or imaginative re-interpretation of traditional features should not be excluded. Where possible, the aim should be to develop high quality modern designs which maintain a sense of place and support local identity.
Examples of the main opportunities include:
conversion or rehabilitation
The revival of rural buildings to provide comfortable modern homes has become increasingly popular. It not only brings a building back to life but it may provide opportunities to sensitively conserve our built heritage, including buildings of merit which are not listed. The sympathetic restoration of buildings which are structurally sound, largely intact, safely accessible and linked to water and other services maintains the character and distinctiveness of places. | 
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small-scale infill
Small-scale infill in existing small communities can bring economic and social benefits by supporting existing services such as schools and shops. Planning authorities should generally seek to reinforce the building pattern of the existing settlement and ensure that new buildings respect and contribute to the area's architectural and cultural heritage. | 
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new groups of houses
Housing related to existing groupings will usually be preferable to new isolated developments. The groupings should not be suburban. They should be small in size, and sympathetic in terms of orientation, topography, scale, proportion and materials to other buildings in the locality. They should take account of sustainable development criteria in location and infrastructure needs. | 
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single houses
There will continue to be a demand for single houses, often individually designed. But these have to be planned, with location carefully selected and design appropriate to locality. | 
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