Ribble Valley country house granted planning permission

The neo-classical Woodfold Villa is approximately 20,000 square ft and will be developed for the occupation and use of the client, prominent Blackburn businessman Majid Hussain.

Spread over three floors, the Mellor property includes six bedrooms, a drawing room, a family room, a large kitchen and a swimming pool.

Led by Shaw & Jagger Architects, the firm had to pass through a strict planning application process to pass the benchmark of a green belt exemption.

This involved visiting numerous design panels over several years, which evaluated the listed parkland and heritage assets and the impact of the design upon the wider environment.

The development will be one of the first country homes to be built on the green belt (Image: Shaw & Jagger)

Francis Shaw, director at Shaw & Jagger said: “We are often employed to do the tough projects, the projects that others do not want to take a risk on.

“It takes a lot of hard work, research and above all a great team to make a success of these projects. They are not for the faint-hearted and we always advise clients of the risks, but we are most often successful.”

While their design ensured the landscape and architecture met very high standards, it was originally rejected by Ribble Valley Council.

It was then taken to appeal and the inspector, Mr Dean, approved the development.

In his report, Mr Dean said: “Indeed, it is clear from the substantial evidence of experts in the field that the design of the proposal, its orientation, scale, detail, proportions, relationship to its site, the wider context, size, scale, form and layout all represent the highest standards of architecture.

“I accept that the proposal would result in a change to the area, but change is not analogous with harm.

 “I therefore find that the proposal would and could be successful as a piece of new traditional architecture, with its well-reasoned and well-considered approach to its site and surroundings."

It will be near the site of Woodfold Hall, which was built in 1798 for cotton magnate Henry Suddell.

Falling into disrepair following the Second World War, Woodfold Hall became derelict until the turn of the century when it was turned into flats. 

Background researcher on the project Ian Dieffenthaller said: "It could be seen that Woodfold Villa is therefore in the tradition, rather than eroding the tradition – and far more so than other developments within the historic estate allowing in the last 20 years or so."

The new-build utilised John Selwyn Gummer country housing law, which was introduced in the 1990s and gives permission to build on the green belt.

Since its introduction 30 years ago only 150 houses have been built under this clause.