04/08/2004

Country homes to adopt 'cutting-edge' architecture

New country houses will reflect the highest standards of contemporary architecture following a change to planning policy, it has been announced today.

The face of new country house architecture will change from a "pastiche of historic styles" to innovative cutting-edge design to encourage the best of British architecture, according to Planning Minister Keith Hill.

The move seeks to encourage innovative design, modern methods of construction and use of sustainable building materials. It will also encourage developments that have a reduced impact on environmental resources.

He added: "We want to encourage the best British architects to design country houses that our future generations will be proud of - creating buildings that people will want to visit in a 100 years time.

"Not only do we hope that cutting-edge designs for country houses will raise the standards of rural housing more widely, we also expect them to leave a legacy from today's top architects for the history books of the future."

Architect Lord Norman Foster said the announcement was "wonderful news".

"It is good for both rural and national interests and should be welcomed by everyone," he said.

(gmcg)

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