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Innovative eco-development approved in the Green Belt, North Somerset
What we achieved
Secured planning permission for a visionary eco-development comprising the restoration of a 16th Century farmhouse and two earth-sheltered dwellings. Despite Green Belt restrictions and heritage sensitivities, we achieved consent for a scheme recognised for its outstanding sustainability and design quality.
Key planning services
Green belt; New homes; Restoration; Heritage
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Overcoming planning barriers to deliver sustainable homes in the Green Belt
Key planning challenges included:
Navigating planning policy
The site lay within the Green Belt, outside any settlement boundary, and close to a Grade II* listed building. Proposals for new dwellings here were contrary to planning policy. The challenge was to demonstrate that this exemplar eco scheme justified an exception.
Heritage and landscape
Alongside heritage sensitivities, the scheme required careful integration with the landscape. This meant balancing farmhouse restoration, sunken eco dwellings, and orchard replanting—ensuring the site retained openness and delivered both conservation and biodiversity benefits.
The wider benefits
Approval depended on showing how the proposals met housing need, achieved biodiversity net gain, and delivered social, economic, and environmental benefits. Evidence on five-year housing land supply and the “tilted balance” further strengthened the case.
Developing a robust planning strategy
We began with a detailed policy review and pre-application engagement with the LPA. Working with Barefoot Architects, we tested design options against national and local policy.
We also engaged with parish councillors and neighbours to build early support and presented relevant case law and appeal precedents to justify the principle of development.
Clarity, evidence and effective engagement
Our planning approach highlighted the scheme’s exceptional eco-credentials and long-term benefits. This included sensitive farmhouse restoration, climate-positive materials, sunken dwellings with green roofs, biodiversity net gain, and a reinstated orchard for sustainable food production.
By proactively addressing officer queries—even through a mid-application case officer change—the application was approved, setting a benchmark for sustainable Green Belt development.
Project team
- Plainview Planning (planning consultant)
- Barefoot Architects (architect)
- Hydrock (engineering)
- Wotton Tree Consultancy(arboriculturalist)
- TJ Infrastructure Ltd(Surveyors)
- Season Ecology )ecologist)
- Bristol and Bath Heritage Consultancy (heritage)
Image Source: Barefoot Architects
Project lead
