We are delighted to introduce you to our Sustainable Design Guidance for all new housing development taking place within Argyll and Bute.
These guides promote good quality, sustainable and contemporary building design and where appropriate innovative solution, suited to the distinctive landscapes, towns and villages of Argyll and Bute.
The general sustainable design guidance for Argyll has been split into four documents:
- Topic 1 - Small Scale Housing Development
- Topic 2 - Larger Housing Development
- Topic 3 - Working with Argyll and Bute’s Built Heritage
- Topic 4 - Case Studies - Sustainable Materials and Technologies
Within each of these documents the key principles of quality design and sustainable development are clearly explained along with points to consider when designing and siting buildings so that they do not spoil their landscape or townscape setting. It also tells you what kind of information is needed for each stage of the planning process and by using this guide we hope that we can help you avoid any potential frustrations during the planning process resulting from clarification of design matters.
We hope that this guidance will help to develop a common sustainable design framework that can be used as a basis for design decisions. We also hope that it will encourage discussion between all those involved in the planning and design process.
We recognise the importance of good building design and want to raise design standards and promote a high quality of design best suited to our distinctive landscapes and diverse settlements.
The use of local building materials, the development of sustainable building practices, energy efficiency measures, renewable energy technologies, self-build opportunities and affordable housing are all important considerations which have been taken into account when creating this guide.
This project has been part funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and WHELK Leader+ and the consultants Anderson Bell Christie were appointed to develop the guidance.
In producing this guidance, we have consulted with a wide range of people involved in the design process including local communities, architects and developers, builders, local Councillors and partner organisations.
In addition to the general guidance documents, we have also produced specific guidance documents for the islands of Coll and Tiree.
The documents are also available on CD free of charge. Hard copy documents are also available although there is a charge for this. If you want either of these or the documents in another format, please contact Development Policy, Argyll and Bute Council, Manse Brae, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RD Tel: 01546 605518.