Topic 2 - Larger Housing Developments

Larger housing developments can have a key role to play in the support of existing services and facilities such as schools, local shops, village halls, etc. and can help make more economically viable, attractive and sustainable communities. It is the responsibility of those carrying out such developments to ensure that thye provide new homes in an environmentally responsible manner and that they enhance, not detract from, the quality of the environment in Argyll and Bute. These developments may be extensions of existing settlements, or they may be standalone new communities in undeveloped areas or open landscape; the Rural Opportunity Areas identified by the Local Plan. In both circumstances new developments should be sensitively and well connected to existing infrastructure, e.g. roads, paths, public transport, services and shops. They should be designed to create a sense of place, e.g. a neighbourhood or commmunity of quality and character.

This section of the Design Guidance gives details of the key aims of the Guidance in relation to larger housing developments; the key issues to consider in this type of development; Action Checklists to assist with the process of design, from developing proposals to sumbitting planning permission; and advice on creating a place for a new development and the components of that place, in keeping with the surroundings of the new development.