Introduction

Housing development can have the chance to play an important role in the future success of Argyll and Bute as an environementally friendly, economically successful, high quality place to live and work. The aim of this design guidance is to ensure that any proposed development is appropriate for its context and is sustainable into the future; and that it does not simply meet the applicants immediate needs. In addition to suggesting ways to make new developments attractive, energy efficient and flexible, this Design Guidance suggests points to consider when designing and siting buildings so that they do not spoil their landscape setting. It also gives guidance as to what kind of information is needed for each stage of the planning process.

This guidance takes into account Planning Advice Note 68 (PAN 68), published by the Scottish Executive in August 2003. It sets out the role that Design Statements can play in ensuring appropriate, sustainable developments and explains how Design Statements can be used as a tool for applicants and planning officers to test the thinking behind design decisions, and to consider whether or not proposals are suitable for their landscape setting. It also stresses importance of constructive discussion and negotiation between applicants, designers and planning officers at an early stage in the Design Process. It recommends that Local Authorities should provide Design Guidance for specific topics and areas, as well as encouraging applicants to use Design Statements in the planning application process. All of this is to ensure that in the future, the community benefits from better more sustainable buildings and successful public places. This guidance aims to improve the dialogues between applicants and planning officers to reach a better understanding of the key issues a development must address.

Following the PAN 68 recommendations, this guidance intends to provide insight into the specific issues applicants and designers should consider when preparing development proposals. It outlines some potentially appropriate solutions and illustrates good practice elsewhere.

The Design Guidance is the start of an ongoing reference document that will be added to as appropriate case studies become available. It is intended that applicants demonstrating good practice in Design Statements and completed developments will contribute to them.

This first stage of the Housing Design Guidance covers several topics which are considered important in contributing to the quality of the environment in Argyll and Bute. It has been split into several topics in order to best meet the needs of the applicants and the authority in considering specific developments:

• Topic 1 Small Scale Housing Development - individual new houses and developments of up to 5 homes in the countryside.


• Topic 2 Larger Housing Development - that extend existing settlements or are standalone.


• Topic 3 Working with Argyll and Bute's built heritage - urban redevelopments; extending and re-using existing buildings; Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas.


• Topic 4 Illustrating Opportunities - case studies sourced from throughout Scotland, as well as the Argyll and Bute area.

Whilst the guidance does illustrate why certain proposals are inappropriate, it is not intended to restrict applicants' options for developing innovative and specific design solutions for sites in Argyll and Bute. This guidance aims to encourage individual, high quality design solutions for the very special sites and places within the area.

Consultation

As part of the ongoing local plan review process, Argyll and Bute Council haev worked with Anderson Bell Christie to provide a practical Design Guide intended as a catalyst for good sustainable design.

An initial Consultation Document was posted on the Argyll and Bute Council website and a series of workshops were held which were attended by stakeholders, building professionals and members of the public in order to maximise opportunities for consultation.

Contributions and suggestions of good and bad design from attendees have been incorporated into this document; locations and building suggested at the workshops are used as examples and Case Studies in the Design Guidance.