Site Address: Grove Hill Farm Woods Buckingham Road Tingewick Buckinghamshire MK18 4AE
Proposal: Application for the erection of a new dwelling, together with incidental outbuildings (comprising garden store, lambing shed, machinery store, and log and equipment store), and other associated development.
Local Authority Ref: 23/01709/APP
Local Authority: Buckinghamshire Council
Delegated Decision Date: 24/12/2024
The Design Review Panel is delighted to share another success story that showcases the critical role independent, multidisciplinary design review panels play in shaping outstanding architecture.

The recent planning approval of a Paragraph 84e home at Durrants Yard, Grove Farm Woods, Buckinghamshire, stands as a testament to how impartial expert feedback can elevate projects to exceptional levels and enable the granting of planning permission. This unique dwelling received planning approval under delegated powers on Christmas Eve 2024, marking a milestone for the design team and the planning process.
A Unique Proposal in a Woodland Setting
Durrants Yard is located within a woodland plantation established in the 1990s, set amidst the remnants of a former World War II military camp. The proposal is for the construction of a new dwelling of exceptional architectural quality under Paragraph 84e of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The site also includes incidental outbuildings such as a garden store, lambing shed, and machinery store. Surrounded by woodland, with glimpses of nearby pastoral fields and a golf course, the project aims to enhance the ecological value of the area while integrating harmoniously into its historical and natural context.

A Journey of Collaboration and Refinement
Durrants Yard underwent a rigorous design and review process, engaging The Design Review Panel on three occasions: 15th March 2022 (including a site visit), 8th December 2022, and 16th March 2023. Each session brought together professionals from various disciplines (including architecture, ecology, landscape architecture and low energy design) to provide constructive feedback and help to ensure the design met the exceptionally high standards set by Paragraph 84e of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The first session incorporated a site visit, which proved invaluable in understanding the unique context and setting of the site. The woodland location, its historical significance as a World War II military camp, and the ecological considerations required a sensitive and thoughtful approach to design.

The Architect's Testimonial
Richard Hawkes, Architect and Director at Hawkes Architecture, reflects on the journey:
“A much-welcomed early Christmas present from Buckinghamshire Council on Christmas Eve 2024 delegating approval for our proposals for an exceptional new Paragraph 84e dwelling set within a woodland plantation on the site of a former World War II camp.
The proposals draw reference to the former camp whilst providing and enhancing connections within the woodland in a manner that sensitively and imaginatively reflects the heritage of the site. We were immensely grateful for the DRP’s [The Design Review Panel – www,designreviewpanel.co.uk] proactive and collaborative approach, allowing good time for a thorough site visit, as well as plenty of time to properly present the scheme and receive thoughtful feedback and suggestions.
Now to deal with discharging what seems to be an ever-increasing list of conditions before a spade can go in the ground, which is hoped might happen in the autumn this year.”
The Panel’s Insights
The Design Review Panel's feedback evolved alongside the design, ensuring every iteration addressed key concerns and opportunities. For example, the Panel’s initial session emphasised the need for the architecture to align more cohesively with the landscape analysis, while subsequent sessions commended the refinement of the design and its alignment with the historical and ecological characteristics of the site.
From the outset, the Panel recognised the potential for this project to meet the stringent tests of Paragraph 84e. By the third session, the Panel unequivocally endorsed the proposal as meeting the criteria, stating:
“The extremely high bar set by Paragraph 84e of the NPPF is noted; however, the Panel unequivocally now considers that the project has successfully met the requirements of this policy.”
Feedback included praise for the ecological enhancements proposed, the sensitive integration of the building within the woodland, and the innovative approach to sustainable design, including cradle-to-grave carbon considerations.

Significant Weight in the Decision-Making Process
The Delegated Officer Report from Buckinghamshire Council highlighted the influence of The Design Review Panel’s feedback. Paragraph 138 of the NPPF emphasises that recommendations from design review panels are material considerations in planning decisions. The Officer’s report stated the following:-
“The DRP [The Design Review Panel] concluded that the project successfully met the requirements of Paragraph 84e of the NPPF. The feedback provided by the DRP is a material consideration that weighs significantly in favour of the proposal.”
The report further acknowledged the careful and detailed design approach:
“Careful consideration has gone into the proposed design, influenced by the surrounding landscape and the site’s historical use. The exceptional design reflects the highest standards of architecture, raising the bar for design in rural areas.”
Additionally, the officer also noted the following: -
“The design and proposed ecological enhancements will significantly enhance the immediate setting and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area, aligning fully with the requirements of Paragraph 84e of the NPPF.”
This acknowledgment underscores the value that independent, multidisciplinary feedback brings to both applicants and local planning authorities. The Design Review Panel's impartiality ensures that design quality, rather than local politics or subjective biases, drives decision-making.
A Triumph for All Stakeholders
The approval of Durrants Yard represents a win for all involved. For the applicant and design team, the DRP provided expert guidance that elevated the design to meet the highest architectural standards. For Buckinghamshire Council, The Design Review Panel's (www.designreviewpanel.co.uk) input enabled the authority to confidently support an exceptional project, aligning with the goals of the NPPF.

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Why Choose The Design Review Panel ?
This case study exemplifies the benefits of engaging The Design Review Panel as follows:-
Independent Expertise: Our multidisciplinary & expert Panel offers unbiased insights across architecture, landscape design, ecology, conservation and more – for the benefit of both applicants and local planning authorities.
Material Consideration: Our feedback carries significant weight in planning decisions (in accordance with para 138 of the NPPF), as demonstrated by this project.
Elevated Design Standards: We help design teams achieve excellence, ensuring projects not only comply with but exceed policy requirements.

If you’re an architect, developer, town planner, or local authority seeking to refine a project and navigate the planning process with confidence, book a session with The Design Review Panel today. Let us help you transform your vision into reality.
Visit www.designreviewpanel.co.uk to learn more and schedule your session.
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