Good Design in the National Park

Why is good design important
It is important to achieve the highest quality of design possible. This means committing to good quality at every stage of the design process from start to completion.

Well designed developments can actively help to enhance the environment, manage exposure to air, noise and light pollution and reduce overall emissions. In contrast, other new developments may increase the emission of pollutants that are harmful to human health and impact on the quality of life.

Well designed developments support good placemaking and can actively help to enhance the environment, manage exposure to air, noise and light pollution and reduce overall emissions.

Delivering good design
In the Cairngorms National Park the Local Development Plan 2021 requires that all development, not just the expensive or iconic, delivers high standards of design and contributes to the sense of place.

The distinctive character and identity of the Cairngorms National Park’s natural and built heritage and settlements contribute to the qualities that make it special. The contribution that built development makes to our sense of place and quality of life is important to those who live and work in and visit the Park. Good design is key to achieving development fit for a National Park.

The Local Development Plan is supported by Non-statutory guidance, which provides additional information on the production of Design Statements. Find out more:

Policy 3: Design and Placemaking Non-Statutory Guidance

Good design case studies
The map below provides details of examples of well designed buildings and developments that can be found throughout the National Park.

Cairngorms National Park Design Awards
The Cairngorms National Park has held two Design Awards competitions, the first in 2012 and the second in 2016. The aim of the awards were to recognise and celebrate good design in the National Park.

View more about the awards here.