Architects have welcomed new planning guidance which encourages the development of cutting edge buildings.

The move came as the planning minister issued new guidelines on building in the countryside, with an emphasis on innovative design and the environment.

Keith Hill published planning policy statement seven, relating to sustainability in rural areas, on Tuesday.

The statements provide criteria by which councils must judge planning applications in their area.

The new guidance is the first in a series of announcements as the government goes about rewriting England's planning laws.

Following consultation, Hill scrapped the 1997 "Gummer's clause", named after the former Conservative Cabinet minister, which provided exemptions for building rural homes so long as they are of "clearly of the highest quality... truly outstanding in terms of its architecture and landscape design, and would significantly enhance its immediate setting and wider surroundings".

Instead he insisted on planning approval only being given to cutting edge modern architecture which is environmentally sustainable.

The move won the backing of both the Royal Institute of British Architects and revered designer Sir Norman Foster.

"I think it is wonderful news that the government has recognised the role that  good design can play in shaping the way we build in the countryside," the architect said.

"This is a very progressive initiative and I am absolutely delighted that this provision has been included. It is good for both rural and national interests and should be welcomed by everyone."

But it has been criticised by some campaigners for Britain's architectural heritage who argue that the clause allowed for good examples of traditional design to flourish.

New generation

However Hill said the initiative would create a new generation of outstanding British buildings.

"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," he said.

"I want this new policy exception to underline our commitment to encouraging the highest standards of contemporary design and construction in new country houses.

"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."

Rural affairs minister Alun Michael added that ministries had worked closely across Whitehall in fashioning the statement.

"The character of our landscape and its rural settlements is important and needs to be protected - but the countryside is not some sort of old-fashioned exhibit in a museum of the landscape," he said.

"We must encourage appropriate development if rural communities and economies are to remain healthy.

"Today's policy sets out to integrate environmental, social and economic considerations in a way that works for the future while protecting our inheritance.

"Getting it right in each case is what sustainable development is all about, and that is at the very heart of the government's approach to planning in rural areas".