It is hoped that the guidance will "greatly assist" planners with consistent interpretation and application of planning policies, and allow applicants and others to understand its policy requirements, the Government said.
The SPD ‘Building on Tradition’ will be used as a guide for the planning authority and development management teams and will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and appeals within rural areas.
The policies for newly build homes focus on the "generic principles of good siting and location for projects", the guidance said, which recommends principles such as building homes on lower slopes of hills, on the lee side of the hill out of the wind and amongst mature trees to provide shelter.
“The guidance is intended to raise awareness of how best to protect our natural environment and has been developed while taking account of comments made on the public consultation of the draft guidance," said Alex Attwood, Environment Minister.
Poor design standards were studied in an attempt to "address" previous trends that would "gradually erode what is valued and considered special about our environment".
“The document provides guidance on reusing vernacular buildings; how new build should be integrated into our landscape and what will be required at each stage of the planning process, which will help avoid any potential frustrations or delays,” Attwood said.
