PPS7 gains momentum

Today's AJ reports on the highly likely planning approval of Fielden Clegg Bradley's "Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired" private country house in Lincolnshire. If all goes to plan, this will be the first planning approval granted under the Planning Policy Statement 7 (PPS7), the clause established to encourage "innovative" and "ground-breaking" houses in rural areas. Though the clause is heavily weighted in favour of big houses for rich people, it may well prove useful in further spreading good contemporary design beyond our cities and into rural areas, where issues of context and public approval often become more contentious, and the debate on such issues is more vital.