A couple have been given planning permission to build their dream home in open countryside in North Cornwall.

Planning officers had recommended that the application should be refused as it was “unacceptable form of development within the open countryside” but councillors agreed that it was a design of “exceptional quality”.

Cornwall Council’s east sub-area planning committee approved the plans against planning officers’ recommendations.

Charlotte Wheatley and Colin Russell had sought permission to build their three-storey home at Lower Treneague in St Breock, near Wadebridge, writes Richard Whitehouse, Local Democracy Reporter.

The couple had made the application under Paragraph 80 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which allows for isolated homes to be built in the countryside if the design of the home is of “exceptional quality”.

The report which went to councillors explained: “Exceptional quality in this context is defined as being truly outstanding (reflecting the highest standards in architecture and would help to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas) and which would significantly enhance its immediate setting; and being sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area. This is a very high test.”

The South West Design Review Panel said that they considered that the application was of sufficient quality to pass the Paragraph 80 test.

Extensive landscaping has taken place across the site to create a garden which has trees, ponds and a river. Under the proposals a 50-year landscape management plan has been drawn up to maintain the gardens which the couple say they want to ensure remain.

The new home, which wouldn’t look out of place on an episode of Grand Designs, would be carbon negative due to the sustainable construction practice and materials which would be used in the development.

Local Cornwall councillor Robin Moorcroft supported the application saying that: “The council has an opportunity to lay down a marker for the future, an example of architecture for others to follow and be a leader in development and innovation.”

He said he believed “this development will significantly enhance its immediate setting and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area”.

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There was also support from St Breock Parish Council who praised the applicants for the way they presented their plans to the local community and councils and their willingness to make changes to address any concerns which had been raised.

Cornwall Council’s landscape officer had raised objections to the application as they were concerned that the development would be in a County Wildlife Site. They highlighted “impact of permanent human habitation in the lower valley, and the effect of the building’s internal lighting on this area designated as a County Wildlife Site”.

Those concerns were echoed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust which was also concerned about the impact of allowing development “in what is currently an undisturbed and sheltered woodland valley and important wildlife corridor”.

A proposal was put forward to the committee to refuse planning permission in line with the recommendation from the planning officer but this was lost with two votes in favour and nine against.

Other councillors said that they wanted to support the application – a proposal to grant planning permission with conditions was approved with nine votes in favour and two against.