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(Text Box comment CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY
Paper 9 Annex 1 29/10/10
)
Sustainable Design Guide 


Supplementary Planning Guidance 
October 2010 

Sustainable Design Guide Sustainable Design Guide 
Published by the Cairngorms National Park Authority � CNPA 2010.All rights reserved. ISBN 978-1-906071-07-3 

www.cairngorms.co.uk 


Sustainable Design Guide Sustainable Design Guide 
Planning in the Cairngorms 
National Park 

Planning in the Cairngorms National Park is unique. It involves the Cairngorms 
National Park Authority (CNPA) working alongside the five local authorities which 
operate in the Park � Aberdeenshire,Angus, Highland, Moray and Perth & Kinross. 

Due to the expansion of the National Park in October 2010, to take in part of 
Perth & Kinross, different planning policies apply there. 

The following paragraphs set out what planning policies apply in the National Park, 
and how planning applications will be dealt with. 

Planning Policies 

The Cairngorms National Park Local Plan, and this Supplementary Planning 
Guidance (SPG), covers the Aberdeenshire,Angus, Highland and Moray parts of 
the National Park only. This SPG sets out detailed advice to help you meet the 
requirements of the policies in the Cairngorms National Park Local Plan. It is 
recommended that it is read in conjunction with the policies in the Local Plan 
and other relevant SPG. 

The Cairngorms National Park Local Plan and this SPG does not cover the 
Perth & Kinross area of the Park. The Perth & Kinross Highland Area Local Plan, 
or the Perth & Kinross Eastern Area Local Plan, and any associated SPG, apply. 
Please see www.pkc.gov.uk for further information. 

Planning applications 

All planning applications submitted within the Cairngorms National Park must 
comply with the relevant Local Plan and SPG (see paragraphs above on planning 
policies for details). 

Planning applications should be submitted to the relevant local authority in 
the normal manner. The local authority ensures all the necessary information is 
supplied and registers receipt of the application. The CNPA is informed by the 
local authority and has 21 days to decide whether to call-in the application. 
Only applications which are of general significance to the aims of the Park are 
called-in. The CNPA determines called-in applications. In instances where planning 
applications are not called-in, the local authority will determine the application. 


Sustainable Design Guide contents Sustainable Design Guide contents 
06 Section 1 Introduction 

1.1 Sustainable design: a special quality of the Cairngorms National Park..................................................................07 
1.2 Planning policy.......................................................................................................................................................................................08 
1.3 What is good design in the Cairngorms National Park? ...............................................................................................09 
1.4 Advantages of a sustainable design approach......................................................................................................................09 
1.5 Structure of this guidance ..............................................................................................................................................................10 
1.6 Sustainable Design Statements....................................................................................................................................................11 
1.6 Statement checklist summary......................................................................................................................................................13 
14 Section 2 Sustainable design principles 

2.1 Conserving and enhancing the character of the Cairngorms National Park ...................................................15 
(a) Buildings and their settings.............................................................................................................................................................16 
(b) Materials and traditional skills.......................................................................................................................................................19 
(c) The natural environment................................................................................................................................................................22 
2.2 Using resources efficiently..............................................................................................................................................................25 
(a) Energy efficiency, generation and renewables.....................................................................................................................26 
(b) Water use and wastewater; runoff and flooding...............................................................................................................29 
(c) Waste management...........................................................................................................................................................................31 
(d) Efficient use of development land.............................................................................................................................................32 
2.3 Minimising the environmental impact of development..................................................................................................34 
(a) Air, light and noise pollution..........................................................................................................................................................35 
(b) Travel and transport..........................................................................................................................................................................36 
2.4 Enhancing the viability of the Cairngorms National Park communities................................................................38 
(a) Flexibility of design..............................................................................................................................................................................39 
(b) Community facilities...........................................................................................................................................................................40 
(c) Adapting to climate change...........................................................................................................................................................41 

Sustainable Design Guide contents 
43 Section 3 Sustainable Design Statement and checklist 
Sustainable Design Guide contents 
43 Section 3 Sustainable Design Statement and checklist 
3 How to use the Sustainable Design Statement and checklist.............................................................................................43 


1. Development layout, scale, proportion, materials, construction and finishing...................................................44 
2. Landscaping.............................................................................................................................................................................................44 
3. Cultural heritage..................................................................................................................................................................................45 
4. Materials ...................................................................................................................................................................................................45 
5. Natural heritage...................................................................................................................................................................................45 
6. Enhancing wildlife ................................................................................................................................................................................46 
7. Energy efficiency..................................................................................................................................................................................46 
8. Renewable energy..............................................................................................................................................................................46 
9. Foul wastewater treatment...........................................................................................................................................................47 
10. Flooding ....................................................................................................................................................................................................47 
11. Surface water runoff..........................................................................................................................................................................48 
12. Water conservation...........................................................................................................................................................................48 
13. Waste and recycling...........................................................................................................................................................................48 
14. Site management.................................................................................................................................................................................49 
15. Transport.................................................................................................................................................................................................49 
16. Pedestrians and cyclists....................................................................................................................................................................49 
17. Efficient use of land and existing buildings............................................................................................................................50 
18. Design for flexibility...........................................................................................................................................................................50 
19. Private amenity space.......................................................................................................................................................................51 
20. Accessibility of community facilities..........................................................................................................................................51 
52 Section 4 Improving the sustainability of existing buildings 

4.1 Resource Efficeincy ...........................................................................................................................................................................53 
A Energy.......................................................................................................................................................................................................53 
B Water........................................................................................................................................................................................................54 
C Waste........................................................................................................................................................................................................54 
D Materials..................................................................................................................................................................................................55 
4.2 Conserving and Enhancing the natural environment.....................................................................................................56 
4.3 Planning permission ..........................................................................................................................................................................57 

Introduction Introduction 
Introduction 1 1.1 Sustainable design � a special 
quality of the Cairngorms 
National Park 
1.2 Planning policy 
1.3 What is good design in the 
Cairngorms National Park? 
1.4 Advantages of a sustainable 
design approach 
1.5 Structure of this guidance 
1.6 Sustainable Design Statements 

Introduction section 1 Introduction section 1 
Sustainable design � a special quality 
of the Cairngorms National Park 

The Cairngorms National Park is a unique place 
in which to live, work and visit. Over the centuries, 
the special character of the Park has been, and 
continues to be, shaped by the interactions between 
nature and man. 

We all want to see this distinctive character and 
the innate special qualities of the Park conserved 
and enhanced, which is why this guidance is so 
important. 

So how can we all help to maintain what is so 
special about this place and make it even better 
in the future? 

This guidance will help you to consider all the 
issues you need to look at when planning any 
development within the Cairngorms National Park. 
It will help to ensure that all future development in 
the National Park will be well designed, sustainable 
and wedded to its location in this special place. 
A sustainable approach to building design is not 
new.This guidance has at its core the traditional 
approach to design which aims to deliver buildings 
which provide a resource-efficient, comfortable and 
flexible living environment in what can, at times, be 
a very hostile and changeable climate.This approach 

has historically resulted in the locally distinctive 
buildings found across the Park, which are all 
inextricably linked to their own landscape setting. 

Added to this � which can also be seen as a 
traditional approach to the design of development � 
are the ever increasing range of more modern and 
sustainable construction techniques and materials, 
which also have a place in the National Park. 

Whilst we want to see the special qualities of the 
National Park conserved and enhanced, this does 
not mean we want to see only traditional designs 
for new buildings. Innovation in both design and 
use of materials, in a way which is in keeping with 
its setting in the National Park, is encouraged. 
The importance of this approach has been 
highlighted with the adoption by the Scottish 
Government of the Climate Change (Scotland) 
Act 2009 and its delivery plan.This sets targets for 
reducing carbon emissions in Scotland. As buildings 
have an impact on overall carbon emissions, it is 
imperative that a sustainable design approach to 
new development � one which seeks to reduce 
emissions from all buildings � is adopted and 
implemented now. 

Indicates image 



Introduction section 1 Introduction section 1 
Planning policy 

This guidance has been produced to accompany 
the policies relating to the design of all new 
developments as set out in the Cairngorms 
National Park Local Plan. 

Policy 16 sets out the main requirements of 
this approach. However, this policy should be read 
in conjunction with all the other policies in the 
Local Plan. 

Policy 16 
Design Standards for Development 
Design of all development will seek, where 
appropriate to: 
(a) minimise the effect of the development 
on climate change; 
(b) reflect and reinforce the traditional 
pattern and character of the surrounding 
area, and reinforce the local vernacular and l 
local distinctiveness, whilst encouraging 
innovation in design and use of materials; 
(c) use materials and landscaping that will 
complement the setting of the 
development; 
(d) demonstrate sustainable use of resources 
(including the minimisation of energy, 
waste and water usage) throughout 
construction, within the future 
maintenance arrangements, and for any 
decommissioning which may be necessary; 
(e) enable the storage, segregation and 
collection of recyclable materials and 
make provision for composting; 
(f) reduce the need to travel; 
(g) protect the amenity enjoyed by 
neighbouring properties, and all proposals 
will be designed to help create 
environments that can be enjoyed by 
everyone; 
(h) accord with the design standards and 
palette of materials set out in the 
Sustainable Design Guide and any other 
supplementary planning guidance 
produced relating to design for new 
developments. 
All proposals must be accompanied by a 
Sustainable Design Statement which sets out 
how the policy requirements have been met. 

Introduction section 1 Introduction section 1 
What is good design in the 
Cairngorms National Park? 

The answer to this question is important if we are 
to see good design in the Cairngorms National Park. 

Good design should be fit for purpose. It should 
result in buildings which are well related to their 
location and are functional, well constructed, 
accessible, have a long life span and are affordable 
and sustainable. 

We are clear that, in the Cairngorms National 
Park, good design is sustainable design.You cannot 
have one without the other. There is no point 
incorporating all the most up to date sustainable 
features if the building itself does not fit within its 
setting. Equally, there is no point designing a beautiful 
building that relates well to its surroundings, but 
that is badly insulated and expensive to run. This is 
not sustainable in the long run and so is not good 
design. 

Good, sustainable design makes sense for the 
National Park: environmentally, for its landscape 
and biodiversity; socially, for its communities; and 
economically, both for local businesses and for the 
people who will live in the buildings. 

1.4 
Advantages of a sustainable 
design approach 

This guidance encourages everyone involved in 
development in the Cairngorms National Park to 
adopt a more sustainable approach to design, and 
this should help to deliver individual buildings and 
larger scale developments which: 

� 
are sensitively located, reflect existing 
development pattern and setting, and respect 
the natural and cultural landscape of the Park; 
� 
reflect traditional materials and workmanship 
and take on board innovation, contemporary 
design and the emergence of modern methods 
of construction; 
� 
maximise efficient use of natural resources; 
� 
minimise negative environmental impacts; and 
� 
provide the foundation stone for sustainable 
communities. 

Introduction section 1 Introduction section 1 
High quality and sustainable design is essential 
to help minimise long-term damage to the natural 
environment and to support the social and 
economic fabric of the Park. Sustainable design can 
also make sound business sense for developers 
and can have financial benefits to occupiers and 
users of buildings. For example, sensible siting and 
passive design measures, to make the most of 
natural daylight, add little or nothing to the capital 
cost of a scheme, but will help to reduce the cost 
of heating and lighting the building. 

Infrastructure for generating renewable energy will 
add to the capital cost of a scheme. However future 
costs and availability of fossil fuels are an increasing 
concern and may make the local generation of 
energy an increasingly attractive option. 

Sustainable design also supports the economic 
aims of the Cairngorms National Park by supporting 
local businesses involved in the supply of sustainable 
construction materials.This includes materials, such 
as timber, which not only support the forestry 
and sawmill industries, but also help to ensure the 
retention of local skills in the use of such materials. 

1.5 
Structure of this guidance 
This guidance is based on the four key sustainable 
design principles of: 

1. 
Conserving and enhancing the character of the 
Cairngorms National Park; 
2. 
Using resources efficiently; 
3. Minimising the environmental impact of 
development; and 
4. 
Enhancing the viability of the Cairngorms 
National Park communities. 
These principles are a way of relating issues, that 
must be considered when undertaking any new 
development in the National Park, to the aims that 
underpin the National Park itself, as set out in the 
National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. 

1. 
To conserve and enhance the natural and 
cultural heritage of the area; 
2. To promote sustainable use of the natural 
resources of the area; 
3. 
To promote understanding and enjoyment 
(including enjoyment in the form of recreation) 
of the special qualities of the area by the public; 
4. To promote sustainable economic and social 
development of the area�s communities. 
These four aims must be delivered collectively, and 
this guidance seeks to set out, in simple terms, what 
needs to be done to achieve this. 

The sustainable design principles are explored in 
further detail in the following pages.An overview of 
each sustainable design principle is provided, with 
a summary of the key design issues which should 
be considered.This is followed by more detailed 
guidance on good practice, and sources of further 
information. 

The key design issues are summarised in the 
Sustainable Design Statement checklist in 
section 3 of this guidance (see p 43). 


Introduction section 1 Introduction section 1 
Sustainable Design Statements 

Sustainable Design Statements are an important 
means of demonstrating the quality of a design 
and how it will relate to the existing natural 
and cultural context. 

The Sustainable Design Statement checklist should 
be used as the basis for producing the Sustainable 
Design Statement, which needs to be submitted to 
the planning authority along with all development 
proposals.Applicants are expected to achieve the 
minimum standards set out in the checklist, however 
the size and scale of the development will affect 
the level at which each issue is considered, and 
therefore the amount of information to be included 
in the Statement. 

Applicants should use their Sustainable Design 
Statement to demonstrate how these standards will 
be achieved by the proposed development. The 
statement must also demonstrate how proposals 
will be implemented. The information contained in 
the statement must be accurate and should be able 
to be substantiated. 

If you have any questions about any development in 
the Cairngorms National Park � whether you need 
planning permission, or what should be included in 
your sustainable design statement � please don�t 
hesitate to contact your local planning office and 
speak to the relevant planning staff as soon as 
possible, and certainly before submitting a planning 
application and associated Sustainable Design 
Statement. 

Sustainable design is as much about choosing 
the right site and architectural style as it is about 
the choice of environmentally-friendly materials 
and construction techniques.There is a balance 
to be struck between all the issues identified in 


Introduction section 1 Introduction section 1 
the checklist; the detail of this balance is very 
often site specific.These balances have resulted in 
the distinctive built heritage of the Park and the 
differences between individual areas which is 
evident today. 

Applicants will need to demonstrate in their 
Sustainable Design Statements that they have; 

� 
carefully considered the issues in the checklist; 
� 
identified how they apply to their specific 
design proposals; and 
� 
have arrived at a sustainable design solution 
which is appropriate to the proposed location, 
and which meets the minimum standards. 
Applicants are encouraged to go beyond 
the minimum standards.As Building Standards 
are improved, they will be increasingly required 
to do so especially, for example, in terms of 
resource efficiency in the use of energy and 
water. Working towards best practice, rather 
than minimum standards now, may well provide 
architects and developers with a competitive 
advantage in the future. 

There are examples of sustainable design already 
evident in the Park, including individual buildings and 
social housing developments.These developments 
are welcomed and there is the intention to 
recognise those working towards best practice in 
sustainable design through Design Awards. 


Introduction section 1 Introduction section 1 
Sustainable Design Statement checklist summary 


Issues to be covered in Sustainable Design Statement See section 
Conserving and enhancing the character of the Cairngorms National Park 


Buildings and their settings 2.1(a) Page 16 
� 
Development layout, scale, proportion, materials, construction and finishing 
� Landscaping 
� Cultural heritage 
Materials and traditional skills 2.1(b) Page 19 
� Sustainable materials 
The natural environment 2.1(c) Page 22 
� Natural heritage 
� Enhancing wildlife 

Using resources efficiently 
Energy efficiency, generation and renewables 2.2(a) Page 26 
� Energy efficiency 
� Renewable energy 
Water use and wastewater; runoff and flooding 2.2(b) Page 29 
� Foul wastewater treatment 
� Flooding 
� Surface water runoff 
� Water conservation 
Waste management 2.2(c) Page 31 
� Waste and recycling 
Efficient use of development land 2.2(d) Page 32 
� Efficient use of land and existing buildings 
Minimising the environmental impact of development 

Air, light and noise pollution 

2.3(a) Page 35 

� Site management 
Travel and transport 

2.3(b) Page 36 

� Transport 
� Pedestrians and cyclists 
Enhancing the viability of the Cairngorms National Park communities 


Flexibility of design 

2.4(a) Page 39 

� Design for flexibility 
� Private amenity space 
Community facilities 

2.4(b) Page 40 

� Accessibility of community facilities 
Adapting to climate change 

2.4(c) Page 41 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Sustainable design 
principles 
2 2.1 Conserving and enhancing the 
character of the Cairngorms 
National Park 
2.2 Using resources efficiently 
2.3 Minimising the environmental 
impact of development 
2.4 Enhancing the viability 
of Cairngorms National Park 
communities 

Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Conserving and enhancing the character 
of the Cairngorms National Park 

Future development in the Park should be 
sensitively located, reflect existing development 
pattern and setting, and respect and enhance 
the natural and cultural heritage of the Park 

It should reflect traditional materials and 
workmanship and take on board innovation, 
contemporary design and the emergence of 
modern methods of construction. 

The relationship between landscape and built 
environment creates the different and distinctive 
settlements which contribute to the overall 
character of the Park. In a largely rural landscape 
even the smallest of developments can make a big 
impact, often for the wrong reasons, by being at 
odds with the setting and surrounding buildings 

New developments do not need to be copies 
of past styles to fit into the Cairngorms National 
Park. However, the imposition of standard 
off-the-shelf house designs, which are now to be 

found throughout the Park (and the country), will 
increasingly erode the unique characteristics for 
which the Park is renowned. New development 
within the Park should therefore be designed 
with its setting firmly in mind. 

Traditional skills, materials and knowledge of the 
micro-climate, along with an increasingly wide choice 
of modern sustainable materials and construction 
techniques, should result in developments which 
reflect the special qualities of the Park. 

Issues to be covered in the Sustainable Design Statement See section 
Buildings and their settings 
� 
Development layout, scale, proportion, materials, construction and finishing 
� Landscaping 
� 
Cultural heritage 
2.1(a) 
Materials and traditional skills 
� 
Sustainable materials 
2.1(b) 
The natural environment 
� 
Natural heritage 
� 
Enhancing wildlife 
2.1(c) 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.1(a) 
Buildings and their settings 


The historic legacy 

The history of human settlement in the Cairngorms 
National Park has left a legacy scattered across the 
landscape.The building blocks of physical landforms, 
mountains, straths and lochs, geology, climate 
and biodiversity have been added to by human 
influences over thousands of years in the form of 
farmland, buildings and settlements, roads, hedges 
and walls.The landscape continues to evolve and 
reflects changing values and activities and how 
these interact with the physical environment. 

This natural and cultural heritage is fundamental to 
the National Park�s identity and to the economy 
which it supports.This economy is underpinned 
by the traditional estate management practices of 
agriculture, forestry, fieldsports and tourism. 

What we see now in the National Park has been 
shaped by the natural environment; the distinctive 
patterns of settlements and communication links 

have historically reflected the opportunities and 
constraints presented by the natural environment. 
Traditionally buildings have been designed to 
provide shelter and security and building groups 
have relied on structures including walls and 
landscape features to provide shelter and enclosure. 
Some more recent developments have been 
unsympathetic to the historical development 
pattern or building style and are consequently a 
poor fit with the Park. 

In the past, buildings often didn�t face the view. 
They were designed and located to provide the 
most shelter from prevailing winds and so had 
windows on the sheltered side. This meant the 
building was sheltered from the worst of the 
weather and that the view was a secondary 
concern. More recent buildings have been 
orientated to face the view often without much 
thought for the prevailing winds, or the ability 
to maximise light due to facing south. In order to 
make buildings which are both making the most 
of their locations and the available natural light 
and heat sources, we need to make the most 
of the location of any development, along with 
the more modern and specialised sustainable 
materials and construction. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Creating the legacy of the future 

What we build today will still be here long after 
we are gone, if it is designed and built well. 

This means ensuring all new development makes 
a positive contribution to its location.This can be 
achieved by carefully considering the location, scale, 
layout and design of the development, and how this 
relates to its surroundings. 

Off-the-shelf solutions that can be found anywhere, 
are not appropriate in the Cairngorms National 
Park. The special character of the place should be 
reflected in its buildings and serve the people who 
live, work and visit here. 

Buildings and building groups, which are responsive 
to context and local distinctiveness and which 

understand the local microclimate, can be seen 
in the traditional approach of buildings sited and 
designed to work with, rather than against, the 
natural environment. 

As many of the new houses built in the National 
Park are part of small estates, or extensions to 
existing settlements, it is important to ensure that 
the new site is looked at as a whole. 

Each site should be looked at as a series of spaces, 
which relate to the existing topography and 
surroundings. These spaces then dictate where 
roads and streets fit, and within this framework, 
individual houses can be introduced. This should 
lead to sympathetic development of sites, and not a 
standard layout/pattern of development that is just 
imposed onto a site, irrespective of its setting and 
ground conditions. 



Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Buildings should be sited to reflect the gradient 
and topography of the landscape and the scale of 
the landscape features.Traditionally, buildings were 
located within the natural contours of the landscape. 
Many new buildings do not respond to the local 
climate or the topography and modern machinery 
and methods of construction mean it is easy to 
ignore these natural constraints through re-levelling 
of ground.This results in development which is not 
only intrusive in the landscape but which is also 
more exposed to the elements. Existing ground 
levels should be maintained wherever possible in 
order to avoid these problems. 

Attention should also be paid to any archaeology 
and cultural heritage interests on a development 
site. These features should be maintained and built 
into the design of any new development. Taking this 
approach will help to bed new development into 
the existing fabric of the area and respect the past, 
whilst still allowing for new development. 



Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.1(b) 
Materials and traditional skills 


The changing face of construction materials 

Traditional building materials contribute to 
the character of the Cairngorms National Park 
and the variation within it.The traditional materials 
of granite, blue whinstone, timber and corrugated 
metal provide a strong identity. Local traditions 
of design and materials across the Park have led 
to a series of distinctive local areas, each with their 
own character. 

Local materials contribute to local distinctiveness 
and sense of place. Use of local materials is 
encouraged, provided that they are fit for purpose 
within the principles of sustainable design as 
set out in Section 1.6 (see p11). This needs a 
balance to be struck between sourcing materials 
locally and bringing in specialised products which 
will optimise the sustainability and long-term 
performance of a building. 

Sustainable materials are those which have a low 
environmental impact. Generally they are: 

� 
produced from a renewable resource or are 
re-used or recycled from a previous use; 
� 
sourced locally to cut down on transport costs 
and to support the local economy; 
� 
produced with minimum ecological damage 
and no exploitation of the workforce; 
� 
non-polluting and non-toxic in manufacture, 
use or disposal; 
� 
make use of existing materials from buildings 
that are now redundant; 
� 
low in embodied energy, ie they are 
unprocessed or use the minimum amount 
of energy possible in their production. 
Materials which cannot be repaired should be 
avoided, for example minor damage to uPVC 
windows usually results in the whole window 
needing to be replaced, whereas repairs to 
timber windows are usually straightforward. 



Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Low impact building materials may include 
recycled or previously used materials, for example 
secondary aggregates, or new materials which 
have used minimal energy in their production and 
transportation to site such as timber, sheeps wool 
insulation and straw bales.There is an increasing 
range of construction and finishing materials 
which are referred to as environmentally friendly, 
low impact or sustainable and it is not always easy 
to determine which materials are most suited to a 
particular development.There are a range of guides 
on sustainable products available and some of these 
are listed at the end of this section (see page 24). 

Forestry is a traditional industry in the Park, and 
timber is a relatively low impact building material. 
Choosing sustainably produced timber from within 
the Park will also cut down on environmental 
impacts arising from the transportation of materials. 
Care must be taken to ensure that all timber is 
sourced from sustainably managed forests.The 
FSC sign is a mark of sustainable timber.This is the 

trademark of the Forestry Stewardship Council and 
indicates that the wood used to make a product 
comes from a forest which is managed to strict 
environmental, social and economic standards. 

The choice of construction and finishing materials 
should form an early part of the design process. 
The original fabric of older buildings within the 
Park is likely to reflect the use of local materials. 
Sympathetic redevelopment uses locally sourced 
and sustainable materials and construction 
methods which are compatible with the original 
fabric, for example lime mortar, traditional 
masonry and harling. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Some key considerations for all new developments 
include: 

� 
designing for durability by using naturally 
durable local timber species including oak, 
European larch and Douglas fir; 
� 
designing for recycling by using recycled or 
previously used materials: using components 
which can be easily re-used or recycled at 
the end of the building�s life, for example 
bolts and screws rather than nails and avoiding 
prefabricated products which are made of 
more than one element, as these are difficult 
to separate; 
� 
designing for maintenance by using materials 
that can be repaired and maintained, for 
example timber windows and doors, to 
prolong their lifespan; 
� 
designing for health by using non-toxic 
chemicals.Toxic chemicals are emitted from a 
huge variety of fittings and finishes including 
carpets, varnishes, and paints which affect 
indoor air quality; 
� 
design for the future: use a flexible building 
design to ensure that a building can be easily 
adapted to changes in need, for example 
non-load bearing partitions enable significant 
changes to building layout to be made 
relatively easily. 

Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.1(c) 
The natural environment 


The environmental context 

The Cairngorms National Park has internationally 
important and unique wildlife. Large areas of the 
Park are covered by natural heritage designations 
which have been put in place to help conserve 
specific interests including landscape, wildlife 
and historic interest for example Sites of Special 
Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves and 
National Scenic Areas. In addition to this, many 
species found in the Park are protected by law, 
including bats and wildcats. 

This diversity of nature is the basis of what we 
regard as special and important in the Park. 
The natural aspects of the Park, its biodiversity, the 
mountains rising from the floors of the glens, the 
immense rivers and lochs, moorlands and forests, 
combine with the more managed aspects 
of farmland, human settlement and the resulting 
built environment to give the Park its distinctive 
identity. 

Expectations are that built development in the Park 
will be of a higher standard to ensure that these 
special qualities are not only protected, but also 
enhanced. Understanding the natural and cultural 
environment is an important element of this. 

Understanding the natural environment 

Finding out what wildlife habitats and species are 
present before a site is developed is the key to 
maintaining and improving the quality of the natural 
environment.This information should be taken into 
account when designing and planning the site to 
ensure that measures to protect existing wildlife are 
taken if the development proceeds. 

Key aspects include minimising disturbance to 
animals and plants, retaining existing on-site trees 
and vegetation, maintaining linkages to other 
existing semi-natural environments and open 
spaces. Corridors and buffers which enable wildlife 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
to move between different areas include hedges, 
stone dykes and tree belts.These should be retained 
where they exist and should be considered an 
important aspect of the design of new 
development sites. 

Tree felling and the destruction of semi-natural 
habitats, such as woodlands, hedgerows, wetlands 
and meadows, should be avoided. Existing habitats 
play an extremely important role in maintaining 
local biodiversity. They are also important in 
forming the setting for developments and will be 
useful in helping them fit into their surroundings. 

Using native and locally occurring species of 
plants in landscaping features will enhance local 
biodiversity by providing habitats for native wildlife 
and plant species. Locally occurring species are 
likely to be more adapted to the local climate and 
therefore are more likely to survive than non-native 
species. 

New on-site habitats can be incorporated into 
new developments.The specific detail will depend 
on the local conditions and type of development, 
but this could include using green or brown roofs 
(which incorporate plants and light-weight gravels) 
to encourage wildflowers, insects and bird life, bird 
boxes, bat boxes, and planting on walls or building 
facades. As well as supporting wildlife, planting on 
walls and roofs can help to stabilise temperatures 
within buildings, therefore reducing uncomfortable 
extremes for users of the building. 

The timing of construction, demolition and other 
site works should be planned to avoid particularly 
sensitive periods.This includes nesting birds and 
summer and over-wintering bat roosts. 

Crossing water courses, altering water flow 
in ponds, burns and wetlands or canalising or 
culverting burns should be avoided.The impact 
of the development on the water environment 
is an important consideration, both in terms of 
construction works and the impact of the finished 
building and its setting.This includes, for example, 
minimising the effect of water runoff from hard 
standing into rivers and streams and incorporating 
permeable surfaces, such as gravel, to help reduce 
runoff rates. 

Development on peaty soils should be avoided 
as the hydrology of bog systems can be severely 
affected, leading to drying out and loss of stored 
carbon. Peat bogs play an important role in locking 
up carbon, which is a key contributor to climate 
change. Disturbance of peaty soils releases this 
carbon into the atmosphere. 

For additional guidance on natural heritage and 
development, please refer to the Cairngorms 
National Park Authority Supplementary Planning 
Guidance � Natural Heritage. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Further information 

Comprehensive sources of information 
on sustainable materials include: 

� 
www.greenshop.co.uk 
� 
www.greenspec.co.uk 
� 
www.aecb.net 
� 
www.livingethically.co.uk 
� 
www.greenbooklive.com 
Information on the embodied energy of 
construction materials can be found at: 

� 
http://people.bath.ac.uk 
� 
www.forestry.gov.uk 
Information on timber is available from: 

� 
Forestry Commission Scotland 
www.forestry.gov.uk 

� 
Green Oak in Construction 
www.trada.co.uk 

� 
Centre for Timber Engineering 
www.cte.napier.ac.uk 

� 
Central Point of Expertise in Timber (CPET) 
www.proforest.net 

� 
Using Local Timber � Contributing to 
Sustainable Construction � Guidance for 
North Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, 
Cairngorms National Park Authority, Moray 
Council,Aberdeen City Council,Aberdeenshire 
Council and The Highland Council. 
For architecture and design see: 

� 
A Policy on Architecture for Scotland 
www.scotland.gov.uk 

� 
Scottish Ecological Design Association 
www.seda2.org 

For information on the natural environment of the 
Cairngorms National Park please refer to: 

� 
Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for the 
Householder, CNPA (2005) 
� 
Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) Project 
� 
Supplementary Planning Guidance Natural 
Heritage, CNPA (2010) 
Water Resources, CNPA (2010) 
Open Space, CNPA (2010) 
www.cairngorms.co.uk 

General information on the natural environment is 
available from a variety of sources including: 

� 
SEPA Habitat Enhancement Initiative 
� 
SEPA Regulatory Position Statement 
Developments on Peat 
www.sepa.org.uk 

� 
Information on the use of native species 
in planting is available from Scottish 
Natural Heritage 
www.snh.org.uk 

� 
Biodiversity by design - TCPA (2004) 
www.tcpa.org.uk 

� 
Green roofs 
www.ciria.org 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Using resources efficiently 

There are significant pressures on infrastructure 
within the Park, arising from energy and water use 
and waste management. All new development 
should incorporate the most sustainable systems 
of energy, water and waste management in order 
to reduce these pressures. Most importantly, this 
means reducing the amount of energy required, for 
example through good insulation.This also includes 
incorporating other energy efficiency measures 
and generating on-site energy from renewable 
sources, minimising and recycling waste, and using 
water conservation techniques, including fittings and 
appliances which use less water. 

Reducing the amount of energy and water used not 
only uses resources more efficiently and reduces 
emission, but also reduces the cost of bills, making 
the buildings cheaper to run in the future. 
Changes to construction techniques have meant 

that buildings no longer have to be orientated to 
take advantage of the best of the local climatic 
conditions. As a consequence, they are not 
protected from the worst of the weather.Taking 
advantage of the local climate means solar gain 
and shelter from the weather is maximised which 
reduces the need for artificial heating, lighting 
and cooling in buildings. Not taking advantage of 
the local climate could result in future users of 
the building having higher fuel bills than would 
be necessary if the building was designed to take 
advantage of the opportunities presented by the 
natural environment. 

Using development land efficiently is an important 
aspect of minimising the extent of land that is 
required for the built environment and associated 
infrastructure, such as roads and footpaths, drainage 
facilities and energy generation. 

Issues to be covered in the Sustainable Design Statement See section 
Energy efficiency, generation and renewables 2.2(a) 
� 
Energy efficiency 
� 
Renewable energy 
Water use and wastewater; runoff and flooding 2.2(b) 
� 
Foul wastewater treatment 
� 
Flooding 
� 
Surface water runoff 
� 
Water conservation 
Waste management 2.2(c) 
� 
Waste and recycling 
Efficient use of development land 2.2(d) 
� 
Efficient use of land and existing buildings 
25 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.2(a) 

Energy efficiency, generation, and 
renewables 

An efficient approach to energy use 

Consideration of energy efficiency is key. Bolting 
on renewable energy technologies without first 
reducing the energy demand of the building through 
sustainable design should be avoided. Most energy 
used in the home is for heating space.The energy 
required, and therefore the costs, can be significantly 
reduced by following the principles of sustainable 
design. 

The siting, design, layout and orientation of buildings 
can have a significant impact on their sustainability 
in terms of energy consumption and the comfort of 
those using the building. Designing with the climate 
in mind, so that a building can benefit from solar 
gain, daylight and natural ventilation, whilst providing 
shelter and comfort is known as passive design. 

A simple way to reduce energy demand is through 
the use of passive solar design to provide light and 
heat from natural sunlight and solar heat gain.This 
reduces the need for artificial light and heat. Keeping 

the main glazed orientation of the building to within 
30 degrees of south will maximise the potential 
for the sun to heat the building.This orientation 
also increases the potential for natural daylight 
to light the building. Solar electricity installations 
(photovoltaic tiles, cells, and panels) and 
solar thermal installations (water heating), also 
require this orientation. South easterly orientation 
maximises early morning gains and reduces the 
likelihood of overheating in the afternoons. 

It is important to provide measures to prevent 
overheating; this might include blinds or screens. 
Wider eaves will also allow sunlight into the room 
in winter when the sun is lower in the sky but will 
shade the room in summer when the sun is higher. 

In exposed locations, buildings should be set down 
into a hillside or bank of land to gain shelter from 
the prevailing wind.The narrow end of buildings 
should face the prevailing wind to reduce wind chill. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Additional shelter can be provided by planting (or 
existing) trees and hedges.This can also help to 
prevent overheating in summer. 

Consideration of the internal layout and 
construction techniques are as important as 
the external elements of the building.The most 
frequently used rooms should be located to 
the south side of buildings to make best use of 
solar gain; the north side should be used for 
less frequently used rooms, for example toilets, 
cloakrooms, storage, that require less heating. 
Rooms that are sized to allow sunlight to hit the 
back wall will benefit from the sun�s natural heat and 
light. Building depth is therefore also an important 
consideration. 

Attention to detail for draught proofing and 
insulation is important.The provision of unheated 
draft lobbies and sunrooms will cut down on heat 
losses, as will insulation. Conservatories should 

be well partitioned from the main building.Walls, 
windows and doors facing into the conservatory 
should be insulated to the same standard as any 
other external part of the building.Vents and blinds 
should be provided to help reduce excessive 
summer heat. 

Ventilation is important to prevent excessive moisture 
build up.The best option is �passive ventilation�. 
These are methods which do not require the use 
of energy and can be as simple as incorporating 
opening windows and trickle vents into window 
frames. 

Use of construction materials with a high 
thermal mass, which have the ability to store 
heat, will help to reduce variations in internal 
building temperatures. For example, a green roof 
provides greater thermal mass, helping to stabilise 
temperatures more than a traditional slate roof. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Generating energy where it�s needed 

Generating energy on-site has long been a 
necessity for those in remote areas and those not 
connected to the national electricity or gas grids. 
Historically there has been a reliance on diesel-
powered generators for power and oil, coal, peat 
and timber for heating. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil 
and gas are known to contribute to climate change 
through the emission of greenhouse gases, including 
carbon dioxide (CO2). Reducing consumption of 
fossil fuels is a fundamental step towards combating 
climate change. 

Incorporating small scale renewable or low carbon 
energy systems into developments or individual 
buildings can make a significant impact on reducing 
CO2 emissions.Technologies which can be applied 
to individual buildings include: 

� 
small scale, stand alone wind turbines; 
� 
solar thermal heating panels; 
� 
solar energy photovoltaic cells, tiles and panels; 
� 
air, ground, or water source heat pumps; 
� 
small scale hydro-electric schemes; 
� 
biomass heating systems. 
Community heating schemes should be considered 
where appropriate.They can be applied to small 
scale developments of two to three buildings as well 
as larger developments. Larger scale developments 
should consider the use of a combined heat and 
power scheme (CHP). 

Systems which use locally available fuel, for example 
woodchips or wood pellets, can help to reduce 
dependence on fossil fuels and other remote energy 
sources where security of supply may be an issue in 
the future. Using local fuels will also help to support 
local businesses. 



Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.2(b) 

Water use and wastewater; runoff 
and flooding 

Making the most of the water resource 

The natural environment of the Cairngorms 
National Park demands high water quality and 
good physical condition of water bodies.There is 
a need to encourage more sustainable patterns of 
water use by all users, including domestic, industrial, 
agricultural and recreational users, to ensure both 
quality and quantity of the available water resource. 

Within the Park there are a number of pressures 
associated with development and land management 
on both surface and groundwater.Water supply 
and wastewater treatment capacity can be 
significant constraints on the development of 
communities. More detail on pressures affecting the 
water environment is available in the River Basin 
Management Plans and interactive maps available 
at www.sepa.org.uk 

Water use per person has been increasing, and 
is likely to increase further with the growth in 
demand for consumer items such as dishwashers. 
At the same time we are faced with climate change 
predictions which show hotter, drier summers in the 
near future. 

The energy consumed by heating water for washing, 
central heating systems etc, has a major impact on 
energy consumption.Water conservation devices 
which limit the amount of water used (for example 
aerated taps and showers) and �A� rated appliances 
which reduce water use, will also help to reduce 
energy consumption and therefore household bills. 

Water conservation is becoming increasingly 
important.There are many easy and low-tech ways 
to conserve water resources: 

� 
rain water or green water capture for use 
externally, for example in the garden or washing 
the car, is a low-tech solution and can be as 
simple as connecting a water butt to all 
downpipes on buildings, including those on 
outbuildings, garages and garden sheds; 
� 
installing �A� rated appliances within the home 
can reduce the total amount of water used; 
water saving devices are also useful, for 
example aerating taps and low-flush cisterns. 

Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Although flooding cannot be wholly prevented, 
many measures to reduce the impact of flood 
events can be delivered through appropriate 
building siting and design, careful building design and 
the use of certain construction materials. Green 
roofs, permeable surfacing for paths and parking 
areas, for example gravel and grass and Sustainable 
Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) which use swales 
and basins, infiltration trenches, filter drains, ponds 
and wetlands, can all help to alleviate flash flooding 
by reducing the speed of rainwater runoff. 

Where a public sewer connection is not available, 
foul water must be treated before it is discharged 
to either land or a watercourse to comply with 
relevant Building Standards and SEPA regulatory 
regimes.Whilst there are various off-the-shelf 
sewage treatment plants available, more sustainable 
sewage treatment solutions are available including 
wetland and reed bed treatment systems and 
composting toilets. Consideration of the correct 
solution for a specific site will require discussion 
with SEPA and a suitably qualified drainage engineer. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.2(c) 
Waste management 

Reduce construction waste to save money 

Well over a third of all waste going to landfill 
in Scotland is construction waste. Site Waste 
Management Plans help to reduce waste and 
therefore make savings on Landfill Tax payments 
as well as helping companies improve their 
environmental performance and meet regulatory 
controls. 

Developers are encouraged to sign up to the 
Considerate Constructors Scheme.This is an 
accreditation scheme to improve the image of the 
construction industry, its processes and products. 
The scheme includes initiatives regarding responsible 
materials use, recycling and minimising the need for 
waste disposal. 

A Site Waste Management Plan should accompany 
all large development proposals.This is a means to 
identify the volume and type of material to 
be demolished and/or excavated, opportunities 
for re-use and recovery of materials and to 
demonstrate how off site disposal of waste will 
be minimised and managed. Such a plan can also 
deliver financial benefits to the developer by 
helping to manage material supply and waste which 
reduces the likelihood of materials being over-
ordered and decreasing the amount of waste 
that needs to be disposed, thereby cutting 
development costs. 

New ways with waste 

Over 70 per cent of collected household waste is 
recyclable or compostable. Some commercial and 
industrial waste is also recyclable or compostable. 
Dedicated space for facilities to enable recycling 
should be incorporated into all new developments. 
The type of waste and recycling facilities provided 
for users will vary depending on the type and scale 
of the development and the current provision by 
the local council. Developers should therefore 
aspire to current best practice with regards to 
recycling and waste management standards for 
storage of household waste. 

Composting is a sustainable option for the 
treatment of suitable waste materials. It effectively 
treats the waste where it is generated and does 
not need it to be transported from the site. 
The end product of the waste treatment, ie the 
compost, is then also used on site. Opportunities 
for composting in household, commercial and 
industrial developments should be considered and 
appropriate provision/facilities provided. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.2(d) 
Efficient use of development land 


Valuing land as a scarce resource 

The Cairngorms National Park is characterised 
by its wild land and primary land uses, including 
faming and forestry. Making efficient use of available 
development land is therefore important to 
ensuring that the character of the Park remains 
intact. However, it is also important to consider the 
private space within which a house sits.This is an 
important aspect of the development and should be 
considered from the outset of the design. 

The re-use of derelict or redundant buildings and 
previously developed land is an important aspect 
of the efficient use of development land. Not all 
derelict buildings will be in sustainable locations and 
appropriate uses for such buildings are quite site 
specific. 

Ensuring that site planning takes account of all 
land uses from the outset, rather than considering 
some as optional extras towards the conclusion 

of the development process, will help to make 
the best use of the available land resource.These 
land uses include consideration of opportunities 
for community amenity, sustainable drainage and 
renewable energy. 

Developments which identify uses for all land on 
the site, and make a clear distinction between public 
and private space, will help prevent pockets of land 
becoming derelict in the future. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Further information 

Information on household waste and recycling 
including identifying what can be recycled and 
where can be found at: 

� 
www.wrap.co.uk 
� 
www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk 
� 
www.soilassociation.org 
� 
www.crns.org.uk 
Advice on managing construction and demolition 
waste, Site Waste Management Plans and associated 
legislative requirements, is available from: 

� 
www.constructingexcellence.org.uk 
� 
www.ice.org.uk 
� 
www.aggregain.org.uk 
� 
www.sepa.org.uk 
� 
www.wrap.org.uk/construction 
� 
Site Waste Management Plans 
www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland 


www.netregs.gov.uk 

Information on sustainable drainage options, water 
conservation and rainwater harvesting systems is 
available from: 

� 
Green roofs 
www.ciria.org.uk 

� 
SUDS manual 
www.ciria.org.uk 

� 
Sustainable Drainage Design Guide for Housing 
in the Countryside, Highland Housing Alliance 
www.highlandhousingalliance.com 

� 
SUDs Regulations and habitat enhancement 
www.sepa.org.uk 

� 
Recycling rainwater and grey water 
www.environment-agency.gov.uk 

� 
Sustainable Drainage Options 
www.scottishwater.co.uk 

Comprehensive, practical guidance on auditing use 
of energy, energy efficiency and availability of grants 
is available from: 

� 
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk 
� 
www.carbontrust.co.uk 
� 
www.sbsa.gov.uk 
General information on renewable energy 
generation is available from: 

� 
www.cat.org.uk 
� 
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk 
� 
www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk 
� 
Wind energy 
www.bwea.com 

Information on climate change, reducing carbon 
emissions and climate-proofing buildings for the 
future is available from: 

� 
Scottish Climate Change Programme (SCCP) 
www.scotland.gov.uk 

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Minimising the environmental 
impact of development 

No matter how well designed a development 
proposal may be, there are still a number of 
environmental impacts which can occur either as a 
result of the development process or as a result of 
the way the finished development is used. 

Construction processes can cause detrimental 
impacts to air quality from a variety of sources, 
together with light and noise pollution. 

Development usually creates the need for 
transportation of people and goods and the need 
to travel, including the delivery of materials to a 
construction site or the need for residents to travel 
to work, school or community facilities. 

Whilst at first glance it may seem that the developer 
has little control over some of these impacts, the 
overall approach taken to the design and execution 
of the development can in fact influence all these 
issues to a certain degree. 

Issues to be covered in the Sustainable Design Statement See section 
Air, light and noise 2.3(a) 
� 
Site management 
� 
Unobtrusive development 
Travel and transport 
� 
Transport 
� 
Pedestrians and cyclists 
� Community transport initiatives 
2.3(b) 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.3(a) 
Air, light and noise pollution 


Minimising the impacts of construction activity 

Construction activity can generate significant 
amounts of noise and air pollution, for example 
in the form of dust. Minimising the impact of 
construction activities on the amenity of neighbours 
is therefore important. 

Good site management practices should be put 
in place to ensure potential pollution from all 
sources is minimised.The Considerate Constructor 
Scheme (CCS) is a voluntary scheme designed to 
promote and encourage safe, considerate, clean and 
responsible builders and building sites. Guidance on 
addressing noise and air pollution can be found on 
the CCS website (see Further Information, page 37). 

Travel plans for construction sites will also help 
to ensure better planned deliveries which limit 
the overall generation of traffic movements and 
associated noise and air pollution on-site.This can 
also reduce development costs. 

Light pollution can result from construction activity, 
and site security, as well as from the finished 
development. Appropriate measures should be put 
in place to limit light pollution. 

Unobtrusive developments 

The quality of the dark night skies in the Park is a 
significant contribution to the sense of wildness 
that can be experienced.To maintain this, all 
developments should minimise the light pollution 
which they create either during construction or use 
of the development. 

Consideration should be given to how disturbance 
from light pollution can be minimised where 
external lighting is required. Pedestrian routes which 
are lit should use light fittings which direct light 
towards the ground, in order to avoid light pollution. 

Opportunities to look at lighting that can be 
dimmed/turned off when not in use, for example 
on demand street lighting, and sensors on domestic 
lighting should also be considered. 

Noise resulting from building occupiers and users 
can be reduced by using acoustic glazing, acoustic 
barrier fencing and landscaping belts. Solutions 
should reflect traditional materials, planting schemes 
and use native species. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.3(b) 
Travel and transport 


Reducing the carbon footprint 

Most new developments will generate additional 
traffic movements and/or requirements for parking. 
Transport is the only sector of the economy 
from which emissions have been rising 
consistently since 1990. 

Private transport is heavily relied on in rural areas 
and car ownership is relatively high.An effective 
transport system is one of the key factors to 
sustaining rural populations. However, fuel costs 
are high and around a third of residents in the 
Highlands have no access to a car. 

Cycle parking is essential to support cycling as a 
practical choice.This is especially important for 
those developments which are served by a train line 
or bus service where cycling is used as a means of 
starting or finishing the journey. 

Vehicle parking is frequently allowed to dominate 
developments, whether residential or nonresidential.
This imposes an urban feel onto rural 
areas. Designers should ensure that road layouts 
in new developments are not used as a means to 
dictate the position of buildings, pedestrian routes 
or open space provision. 

A number of different solutions to travel in rural 
areas have arisen in recent years. Parts of the 
National Park are now covered by community 
transport schemes. Furthermore, parts of the Park 
are also involved in projects that encourage the 
use of electric vehicles. In order to help promote 
opportunities to increase the uptake of such 
initiatives, the provision of electric vehicle recharge 
points should be considered. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Further information 

Comprehensive advice on reducing the impact 
of construction is available from the Considerate 
Constructors Scheme www.ccscheme.org.uk 

Transport and travel information can be found at: 

� 
www.cyclingscotland.org 
� 
Cairngorms National Park Core Paths Plan, 
CNPA (2010) 
www.cairngorms.co.uk 

� 
Air pollution and air quality 
www.environmental-protection.org.uk 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Enhancing the viability of Cairngorms 
National Park communities 

The way people live and work is changing. Increased 
life expectancy also means that they way we use 
our homes, access services and community facilities 
is changing. 

Sustainable buildings are flexible and accessible in 
their design.This means buildings which will be fit 
for purpose and will be able to function effectively, 
even when our lifestyles change.This might be due 
to changes in the way we work or changes in our 
health. Buildings built to Lifetime Homes Standards 
have flexibility built into their design. Some buildings 
are deliberately designed for short-term use. In 
this case the building should be designed to enable 
effective re-use or recycling of its components. 
Flexible design should also allow for home working, 
whether in traditional industries and supporting 
services, or from new opportunities arising from 
the increasing range of communication technology 

now available.There is also an increasing demand 
from those seeking alternative lifestyles which may 
embrace a back-to-the-land approach. Private space 
is still important and increasing interest in gardening, 
particularly grow-your-own, is reminding us of the 
need for suitably sized gardens, as well as public 
space in the form of allotments and community 
gardens. 

The services and facilities required by communities 
are also changing. But certain things, such as safe and 
attractive public open spaces, community facilities 
and services, are still important to the viability and 
liveability of our communities. 

Issues to be covered in the Sustainable Design Statement See section 
Flexibility of design 
� 
Design for flexibility 
� 
Private amenity space 
� 
Home working 
2.4(a) 
Community facilities 
� 
Accessibility of community facilitiess 
2.4(b) 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.4(a) 
Flexibility of design 


Making homes to last a lifetime 

Evidence shows that the population of the Cairngorms 
National Park is likely to age faster than the national 
average. Lifetime Homes Standards are building 
standards which have flexibility built into their 
design. Buildings which are flexible in design can 
be easily adapted to suit different requirements 
over time. 

Housing which is adaptable, could incorporate 
spaces that could be used for home working or 
allow for changes in the ability of residents to move 
around the building.This gives the building a longer 
lifespan and, in the case of housing, allows residents 
to stay in their home and community even if their 
needs change. 

Design for accessible buildings includes 
consideration of both the internal and external 
environments; not only how to get into the building, 
but how to get to the door of the building, and 
once inside how to move around and access rooms 
and facilities as required. 

Expanding the tradition of working from home 

Traditionally people in rural areas have been 
employed in primary land uses including farming, 
and forestry and the services which support these 
industries.The increased flexibility which ICT brings, 
and an increasing interest in alternative lifestyles, 
means that the rural economy is diversifying. 
Commuting is also an important aspect of rural life, 
as there is often a lack of employment opportunities 
in the local community. 

As a consequence of this there are changing 
demands to the design of housing in particular. 
This includes the designation of space for working 
from home.This is not limited to an office space 
within a house or outbuilding, but could also include 
workshops, studios, retail outlets etc. Plans for home 
working should be thought about at the outset and 
should include access to broadband. 

Buildings which are fit for many purposes 

New buildings which are sited and designed to 
allow for future changes to internal layout or 
external extension will have a longer, useful lifespan. 
Using construction techniques which enable 
significant changes to be made to the building easily 
will help to extend the building�s use � for example 
non-structural partitions which can be easily 
removed or re-positioned to create new spaces. 



Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.4(b) 
Community facilities 


Communities � not just a collection of houses 

Access to services and facilities is key to the viability 
of communities.This includes services such as 
schools, colleges, libraries, health centres, banks and 
shops as well as community facilities such as village 
halls, churches, community centres, public parks 
and open spaces.These services and facilities must 
be available for those without access to private 
transport. 

New development must provide adequate private 
and public open space for residents.The distinction 
between public and private space should be 
obvious,using sympathetic boundary treatments and 
local materials. 

Public and private spaces should flow naturally 
into the wider countryside; this will help the 
development to look natural in its setting. Boundary 
treatments which create a suburban edge, such as 
solid timber fencing, should be avoided. Links to 
the wider countryside are an important aspect of 
community life.The provision of paths which are 
remote from main roads will help ensure safer 
routes for pedestrians and cyclists. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
2.4(c) 
Adapting to climate change 


Ensuring future building integrity by 
climate-proofing now 

Climate change predictions indicate hotter, drier 
summers and warmer, wetter autumn and winter 
periods. More frequent and more extreme 
storms, including high winds and flash flooding, 
are also predicted.This will impact on all forms of 
infrastructure including storm drains and sewers 
and the built environment in general. 

Climate change is happening and will continue to 
lead to gradual changes in climatic conditions over 
the coming years. Buildings, particularly houses, 
being constructed today will still be around in 50 
years time when these climate changes will be 
making more of an impact.Therefore building today 
needs to take into account the future climatic 
conditions. 

Drainage systems should be designed to enable 
excess runoff during storm events to be dealt 
with, thereby preventing flash flooding. Rainwater 
collection systems for example water butts should 
be incorporated to collect and recycle water for use 
during dry spells. 

Roof designs should be robust and use the 
traditional approach of steep pitches and sarking. 
Incorporating over-hanging eaves to cope with 
increased rainfall as a result of climate change can 

still reflect these traditional approaches. External 
walls should be protected from increased rain by 
large eaves and splash zones at the base of walls. 
Gutters and other rainwater goods should be sized 
to allow for higher rainfall. Materials which are 
durable and can be maintained and repaired, and 
which are local (or easy to obtain) should be used. 
This allows damage to be dealt with in a timely 
manner, which may save money in the long run. 

To avoid risk of damage from water and damp 
penetration, attention should be given to designing 
and detailing junctions, for example between 
external walls and windows and doors.This should 
enable water to be quickly shed so it is not allowed 
to collect in joints which may damage materials, for 
example through wet rot. 

Internal building temperatures can be stabilised 
to reduce the risk of overheating in summer by 
incorporating thermal mass into the design.This 
could include a green roof. Shading and shelter 
can be provided through landscaping and natural 
ventilation rather than reliance on energy intensive 
mechanical ventilation or air conditioning systems. 
This should be designed to provide shelter from 
severe storm events and shade from excessive 
solar gain. 


Sustainable design principles section 2 Sustainable design principles section 2 
Further information 

For information on building homes to last a lifetime, 
including the Lifetime Homes Standards, see: 

� 
www.lifetimehomes.org 
For information on climate change see: 

� 
www.sepa.org.uk 
To find out what action Scotland is taking to address 
climate change, see Scottish Climate Change 
Programme (SCCP): 

� 
www.scotland.gov.uk 
For practical household action on climate 
change see: 

� 
www.infoscotland.com 

Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
How to use the Sustainable 
Design Statement and checklist 

Developers/architects should use the 
following checklist to prepare their sustainable 
design statement and to ensure that their 
development proposal meets the minimum 
standards for all the required issues. Evidence 
to support this should be provided in the 
sustainable design statement. 

Not all issues in the checklist will be 
appropriate to all developments. Use your 
sustainable design statement to show that you 
have considered each of the issues in turn and 
what actions you have taken to address them. 
If you believe something is not relevant, then 
please contact the relevant planning authority. 

Anyone considering built development in the 
Cairngorms National Park is strongly advised 
to have discussions with the relevant planning 
officer prior to the submission of a planning 

application.This will help to ensure that all issues 
relevant to the application are identified and 
addressed at an early stage in the development 
process. 

The standards contained in the Sustainable Design 
Statement and checklist are the minimum required 
at the current time.All developers wishing to build 
in the Cairngorms National Park are encouraged 
to exceed the minimum standards and achieve the 
highest level of sustainable design possible. 

Sustainable Design 
Statement and checklist 
3 

Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
Sustainable Design Statement 
checklist issues 
1. Development layout, scale, proportion, 
materials, construction and finishing 
Will the appearance of the development be 
visually appropriate, taking into account and 
complementing local character, whilst 
reinforcing local distinctiveness (for example, 
materials, road pattern etc) and be clearly 
integrated with the wider community? 
A. Building materials and colour complement 
local character; 
B. Site layout, building style and scale 
enhance local character; 
C. Roof-scapes visually respect the local 
context (allowing for low carbon 
technologies where appropriate); 
D. Continuity of local building details such 
as simple and uncomplicated design of 
roofs, dormers, windows and doors; 
E. Potential for personalisation by 
prospective residents; 
F. Contemporary approach which reflects 
the local vernacular where appropriate. 
2. Landscaping 
Has a landscaping scheme been drawn up 
for the site which integrates the development 
into its setting and includes provision for 
public open space, appropriate public/private 
and site boundaries, and which conserves the 
existing landscape and ecological assets? 
Cairngorms National 
Park Authority 
standards 
Minimum sustainable 
design standards to be 
achieved 
A-D 
Landscape scheme 
drawn up. 
Cairngorms National 
Park Local Plan 
Relevant policies and 
additional guidance 
Local Plan Policy 16: 
Design Standards for 
Development 
Local Plan Policy 6: 
Landscape 
Natural Heritage 
and Open Space 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 
Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
Sustainable Design Statement 
checklist issues 
1. Development layout, scale, proportion, 
materials, construction and finishing 
Will the appearance of the development be 
visually appropriate, taking into account and 
complementing local character, whilst 
reinforcing local distinctiveness (for example, 
materials, road pattern etc) and be clearly 
integrated with the wider community? 
A. Building materials and colour complement 
local character; 
B. Site layout, building style and scale 
enhance local character; 
C. Roof-scapes visually respect the local 
context (allowing for low carbon 
technologies where appropriate); 
D. Continuity of local building details such 
as simple and uncomplicated design of 
roofs, dormers, windows and doors; 
E. Potential for personalisation by 
prospective residents; 
F. Contemporary approach which reflects 
the local vernacular where appropriate. 
2. Landscaping 
Has a landscaping scheme been drawn up 
for the site which integrates the development 
into its setting and includes provision for 
public open space, appropriate public/private 
and site boundaries, and which conserves the 
existing landscape and ecological assets? 
Cairngorms National 
Park Authority 
standards 
Minimum sustainable 
design standards to be 
achieved 
A-D 
Landscape scheme 
drawn up. 
Cairngorms National 
Park Local Plan 
Relevant policies and 
additional guidance 
Local Plan Policy 16: 
Design Standards for 
Development 
Local Plan Policy 6: 
Landscape 
Natural Heritage 
and Open Space 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 

Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
3. Cultural heritage 
Are the culturally and archaeologically Important features are 
important features on the site and their identified and protected. 
settings known, and how will these be 
affected by the development? 

Local Plan Policy 7: 
Gardens and Designed 
Landscapes 

Local Plan Policy 8: 
Archaeology 

Local Plan Policy 9: 
Listed Buildings 

Local Plan Policy 11: 
The Local and Wider 
Cultural Heritage of the 
Park 

4. 
Materials 
What proportion of materials to be used in 3 out of the 5 key 
the development are from secondary or elements achieve a 
recycled sources, have low-embodied energy Green Guide rating of 
and are from sustainable and/or local sources? A+ to D. 

A. 
At least 3 out of the following 5 key 
100% of timber must 

elements must achieve a Green Guide 

be from FSC / PEFC

rating (2008 version) of A+ to D:Roof; 

sources.

B. 
External walls; 
C. 
Internal walls (including separating walls); 
D. 
Upper and ground floors (including 
separating floors); 
E. 
Windows. 
5. Natural heritage 
Has an assessment been made of the site�s 
natural heritage and will the value of the 
site be protected or recreated to equal 
quality and/or enhanced? 

Assessment undertaken 
and strategy produced 
by an ecologist (or 
equivalent) to protect 
or recreate existing 
ecological value. 

Local Plan Policy 1: 
Natura 2000 Sites 

Local Plan Policy 2: 
National Natural 
Heritage Designations 

Local Plan Policy 3: 
Other Important 
Natural and Earth 
Heritage Sites and 
Interests 

Local Plan Policy 4: 
Protected Species 


Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
Local Plan Policy 5: 
Biodiversity 
Natural Heritage 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 
Natural Heritage 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 
Local Plan Policy 16: 
Designs Standards for 
Development 
Local Plan Policy 17: 
Reducing Carbon 
Emissions in 
Development 
A-D 
A-C 
A-C is required only 
where the development 
is 500m2 or over. 
5. Natural heritage continued ... 
6. Enhancing wildlife 
There will be: 
A. No net loss of the special qualities of the 
Park in relation to habitats and species; 
B. A mixture of locally occurring species 
specified for planting and landscaping schemes; 
C. Any new links between habitats within the 
site or links to habitats outside the 
development boundary; 
D. An increase in important or sensitive 
habitats identified in the Local Biodiversity 
Action Plan (LBAP), either by creating or 
restoring ecological value (as assessed by an 
ecologist), or support for a species identified 
in the LBAP. 
7. Energy efficiency 
What steps have been taken towards 
reducing CO2 emissions through energy 
efficient design for the proposed development? 
A. Minimising energy demand for the site 
through orientation and maximising 
passive solar gain; 
B. Maximising the thermal efficiency of 
individual buildings through thermal mass, 
insulation, natural shelter, and appropriate 
glazing; 
C. Minimising demand for water heating, space 
heating and cooling, lighting and power in 
individual dwellings through efficient 
equipment and controls. 
8. Renewable energy 
Has the energy demand for the development 
been calculated to determine: 
A. The appropriate low or zero carbon 
technology, for example wind, solar, hydro, 
photovoltaic�s (PV), Combined Heat and 
Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
Local Plan Policy 5: 
Biodiversity 
Natural Heritage 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 
Natural Heritage 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 
Local Plan Policy 16: 
Designs Standards for 
Development 
Local Plan Policy 17: 
Reducing Carbon 
Emissions in 
Development 
A-D 
A-C 
A-C is required only 
where the development 
is 500m2 or over. 
5. Natural heritage continued ... 
6. Enhancing wildlife 
There will be: 
A. No net loss of the special qualities of the 
Park in relation to habitats and species; 
B. A mixture of locally occurring species 
specified for planting and landscaping schemes; 
C. Any new links between habitats within the 
site or links to habitats outside the 
development boundary; 
D. An increase in important or sensitive 
habitats identified in the Local Biodiversity 
Action Plan (LBAP), either by creating or 
restoring ecological value (as assessed by an 
ecologist), or support for a species identified 
in the LBAP. 
7. Energy efficiency 
What steps have been taken towards 
reducing CO2 emissions through energy 
efficient design for the proposed development? 
A. Minimising energy demand for the site 
through orientation and maximising 
passive solar gain; 
B. Maximising the thermal efficiency of 
individual buildings through thermal mass, 
insulation, natural shelter, and appropriate 
glazing; 
C. Minimising demand for water heating, space 
heating and cooling, lighting and power in 
individual dwellings through efficient 
equipment and controls. 
8. Renewable energy 
Has the energy demand for the development 
been calculated to determine: 
A. The appropriate low or zero carbon 
technology, for example wind, solar, hydro, 
photovoltaic�s (PV), Combined Heat and 

Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
8. 
Renewable energy continued ... 
Power (CHP), required to meet the 
required 15% CO2 emissions reduction? 

B. 
The % of total site energy demand that will 
be produced from on site renewable energy 
technologies? 
C. 
Meeting the remaining energy demand 
efficiently, for example non-renewable or 
waste powered district heating and cooling? 
9. 
Foul wastewater treatment 
Will the development be connected to 
the public sewer? if not, has a sustainable 
waste water treatment system been designed 
to avoid unacceptable damage to the water 
environment? 

In such cases a 15% 
reduction in CO2 
emissions is required 
to be met through the 
incorporation of on 
site low or zero carbon 
technologies (LZCT). 

Separate systems are 
proposed for foul 
drainage and surface 
water drainage. 

Foul drainage is proposed 
via a connection to the 
public sewer, or where 
no connection is available 
the system is designed 
and built to a standard 
to allow adoption by 
Scottish Water and can 
easily be connected to 
the public sewer at a later 
date. 

Discharges from private 
sewage systems will be 
registered or licensed by 
SEPA depending on the 
development size. 

Reducing Carbon 
Emissions Suplementary 
Planning Guidance 
provides additional 
background information 

Local Plan Policy 12: 
Water Resources 

Sustainable Drainage 
Design Guide for 
Housing in the 
Countryside (Highland 
Housing Alliance) 
provides additional 
background information 

Water Resources 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 

10. Flooding 
What measures have been taken to ensure 
that the development will: 

A. 
Be free from significant risk of flooding: 
B. 
Not add to the area of land that requires 
flood prevention measures; and 
C. 
Not affect the ability of the functional 
floodplain to store or move flood waters? 
Reference has been 
made to SEPA�s Flood 
Risk Maps to determine 
whether a Flood Risk 
Assessment is required. 

In all cases the development 
site is demonstrated to be 
outwith the functional 
floodplain (ie there is not 
more than a 1:200 year 
flood risk). 

Local Plan Policy 12: 
Water Resources 

Water Resources 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 


Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
11. Surface water runoff 
Which of the following localised strategies, 
for ensuring that runoff from the finished 
development does not exceed runoff from 
the previously undeveloped site, have been 
proposed and designed in accordance with 
the SUDs Manual C697 published by CIRIA? 
A. Prevention of runoff at source - through 
simple design measures on individual 
buildings, for example, minimising paved 
areas, to allow water to return to the natural 
drainage system as near to the source as 
possible and not to contribute to runoff; 
B. Source control of runoff rate/volume � 
through control of the rate/volume of runoff 
generated close to source, for example 
rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs and 
individual soakaways for buildings; 
C. Site control of water management � water is 
managed from several areas, for example 
roofs and parking areas, into one large 
soakaway or device such as an infiltration 
basin.This incorporates enhancing biodiversity 
and amenity, and is sized to allow incorporation 
of further developments in future. 
12. Water conservation 
How will the development sustainably meet 
the required water demands, including 
through the use of: 
A. Water efficient appliances such as dual 
flush toilets, aerating taps, and water 
efficient white goods? 
B. Rainwater collection for re-use? 
C. Green roofs? 
13. Waste and recycling 
Has suitably screened space been made 
available for the storage of waste and 
recyclables in or around each building, 
including: 
A. Space for sorting and storing recyclable 
materials? 
B. Space for general waste storage? 
C. Space for composting organic kitchen and 
garden waste? 
A and B 
A 
A-C 
Local Plan Policy 12: 
Water Resources 
Water Resources 
and Open Space 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 
Local Plan Policy 12: 
Water Resources 
Local Plan Policy 16: 
Design Standards for 
Development 
Local Plan Policy 31: 
Waste Management 
Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
11. Surface water runoff 
Which of the following localised strategies, 
for ensuring that runoff from the finished 
development does not exceed runoff from 
the previously undeveloped site, have been 
proposed and designed in accordance with 
the SUDs Manual C697 published by CIRIA? 
A. Prevention of runoff at source - through 
simple design measures on individual 
buildings, for example, minimising paved 
areas, to allow water to return to the natural 
drainage system as near to the source as 
possible and not to contribute to runoff; 
B. Source control of runoff rate/volume � 
through control of the rate/volume of runoff 
generated close to source, for example 
rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs and 
individual soakaways for buildings; 
C. Site control of water management � water is 
managed from several areas, for example 
roofs and parking areas, into one large 
soakaway or device such as an infiltration 
basin.This incorporates enhancing biodiversity 
and amenity, and is sized to allow incorporation 
of further developments in future. 
12. Water conservation 
How will the development sustainably meet 
the required water demands, including 
through the use of: 
A. Water efficient appliances such as dual 
flush toilets, aerating taps, and water 
efficient white goods? 
B. Rainwater collection for re-use? 
C. Green roofs? 
13. Waste and recycling 
Has suitably screened space been made 
available for the storage of waste and 
recyclables in or around each building, 
including: 
A. Space for sorting and storing recyclable 
materials? 
B. Space for general waste storage? 
C. Space for composting organic kitchen and 
garden waste? 
A and B 
A 
A-C 
Local Plan Policy 12: 
Water Resources 
Water Resources 
and Open Space 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance contains 
essential further 
information 
Local Plan Policy 12: 
Water Resources 
Local Plan Policy 16: 
Design Standards for 
Development 
Local Plan Policy 31: 
Waste Management 

Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
14. Site management 
How will development of the site be 
undertaken in a manner which minimises 
disturbance to neighbouring properties and 
the environment, including addressing: 

A. 
Noise pollution? 
B. 
Light pollution? 
C. 
Air pollution? 
D. 
Construction waste? 
Considerate Constructors 
Scheme is implemented 
to minimise noise, light 
and air pollution and a 
Site Waste Management 
Plan is put in place which 
identifies: 

� 
who will be responsible 
for resource management; 

� what types of waste will 
be generated; 

� 
how will the waste be 
managed - will it be 

reduced, reused or 

recycled? 

� 
which contractors will 
be used; and 

� 
how the quantity of 
waste generated will 

be measured. 

Key sources of potential 
disturbance and pollution 
are identified and 
mitigation measures put 
in place. 

Local Plan Policy 31: 
Waste Management 

Considerate 
Constructors Scheme 
provides additional 
background information 

15. Transport 
How does the development proposal Positive impacts are Local Plan Policy 29: 
make a positive contribution towards the demonstrated on A-D Integrated and 
improvement of the sustainable transport 

Sustainable Transport 
network within the Park by: 

Network 

A. 
Reducing car dependency? 
B. 
Promoting sustainable transport modes? 
C. 
Creating or linking to existing sustainable 
travel modes including the core path 
network, safe routes to schools and 
workplaces by cycle or pedestrian, public 
transport? 
D. 
Reducing the need to travel? 
And has this been demonstrated through a 
Transport Assessment where transport 
impacts are considered to be significant? 



Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
16. Pedestrians and cyclists 
What provision is made for secure cycle 
storage in new buildings and at associated 
local facilities including transport hubs? 
17. Efficient use of land and 
existing buildings 
How does the design ensure that: 
A. Disturbance to soils is minimised for example 
through minimising required earthworks? 
B. Where appropriate demolition materials will 
be re-used on site, rather than transported 
off site as waste materials? 
C. Existing redundant and derelict buildings are 
sympathetically converted and/or restored? 
18. Design for flexibility 
Has flexibility been designed into all units to 
provide adaptability to changing needs? 
For residential developments: 
A. Has design to Lifetime Homes Standards 
been adopted? 
B. Has infrastructure been installed to allow for 
home working, for example telephone/Wi-Fi 
for all developments? 
C. Does building structure and position allow for 
future extension? 
D. Have construction techniques been used 
which enable internal walls to be easily 
removed or re-positioned to create new spaces? 
For residential 
development, the design 
enables inclusion of 
external cycle storage 
space, for example in 
private garden area/ 
garages, or in the case 
of flats or dwellings of 
multiple occupation, 
secure communal cycle 
storage is provided. 

For non-residential 
development, secure 
cycle storage is provided 
on site. 

A-B 

C is required where 
derelict and redundant 
buildings exist on the 
development site. 

A-B required for 
residential developments. 

C-D required for nonresidential 
developments. 

Local Plan Policy 29: 
Integrated and Sustainable 
Transport Network 

Local Plan Policy 27: 
Conversion and Re-use 
of Existing Traditional and 
Vernacular Buildings 

Conversion and Re-use 
of Existing Traditional 
and Vernacular Buildings 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance provides 
additional information 

Local Plan Policy 16: 
Design Standards for 
Development 

Local Plan Policy 27: 
Conversion and Re-use 
of Existing Traditional and 
Vernacular Buildings 

Conversion and Re-use 
of Existing Traditional 
and Vernacular Buildings 
Suplementary Planning 
Guidance provides 
additional information 


Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
19. Private amenity space 
Is there provision for private amenity space, 
for example private garden, balcony, roof 
terrace or patio, or a communal garden 
courtyard which is easily accessible for 
occupants of designated properties, and does 
the size and type of area provided allow for: 
A. All occupants to sit outside at once? 
B. Safe access by those using wheelchairs or 
mobility aids? 
C. Growing fruit or vegetables? 
D. Composting of kitchen and garden waste? 
E. Drying washing? 
20. Accessibility of community facilities 
How many miles is the development from 
the following facilities: 
A. Health facilities, such as a surgery or 
pharmacy? 
B. Education facilities, such as a cr�che, primary 
and secondary schools? 
C. Shop or Post Office? 
D. Bank or cash machine? 
E. Leisure facilities, such as a community centre 
or indoor sports facility? 
A-E 
State approximate 
distances from the 
development to the 
facilities listed A-E. 
Local Plan Policy 26: 
Retail Development 
Local Plan Policy 29: 
Integrated and 
Sustainable Transport 
Network 
Local Plan Policy 34: 
Outdoor Access 
Sustainable Design Statement and checklist section 3 
19. Private amenity space 
Is there provision for private amenity space, 
for example private garden, balcony, roof 
terrace or patio, or a communal garden 
courtyard which is easily accessible for 
occupants of designated properties, and does 
the size and type of area provided allow for: 
A. All occupants to sit outside at once? 
B. Safe access by those using wheelchairs or 
mobility aids? 
C. Growing fruit or vegetables? 
D. Composting of kitchen and garden waste? 
E. Drying washing? 
20. Accessibility of community facilities 
How many miles is the development from 
the following facilities: 
A. Health facilities, such as a surgery or 
pharmacy? 
B. Education facilities, such as a cr�che, primary 
and secondary schools? 
C. Shop or Post Office? 
D. Bank or cash machine? 
E. Leisure facilities, such as a community centre 
or indoor sports facility? 
A-E 
State approximate 
distances from the 
development to the 
facilities listed A-E. 
Local Plan Policy 26: 
Retail Development 
Local Plan Policy 29: 
Integrated and 
Sustainable Transport 
Network 
Local Plan Policy 34: 
Outdoor Access 

Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 
Whilst it is important to ensure new buildings 
are designed and built in ways which achieve 
high environmental standards, there are also a 
lot of opportunities for achieving much better 
environmental standards in existing buildings. 
These buildings are by their nature, stores of 
embodied energy.These opportunities can lead 
to significant reductions, not only in energy and 
water use, and therefore carbon emissions, but 
also in associated running costs. 

Largely, the same principles apply to improving 
the sustainability of an existing building as to 
the construction of a new building. However, 
with existing buildings the biggest gains are 
usually to be made through addressing the 

issue of resource efficiency, for example the amount 
of energy and water consumed by users of the 
building. Gains can also be made by improving the 
quality of life of those using the building and their 
neighbours, and in protecting and enhancing local 
wildlife. 

The following section sets out guidance on these 
issues, looking first at resource efficiency including 
energy, water, waste and materials, and then at the 
natural environment around your home. 

Improving the sustainability 
of existing buildings 
4 4.1 Resource efficency 
4.2 Conserving and enhancing 
the natural environment 
4.3 Planning permission 

Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 
Resource efficiency 

A simple way of looking at the issue of resource 
efficiency is to think about it as a series of steps to 
follow. Steps lower down the chain shouldn�t be 
undertaken without first addressing the step above 
it � this is known as a Hierarchy. 

(A) Energy 
An Energy Hierarchy, which follows the series of 
steps promoted by the Energy Saving Trust, would 
include: 

� 
reduce the amount of energy used, for 
example insulation, draught proofing, efficient 
appliances; 
� 
generate your own energy using renewable 
energy technologies; 
� 
responsibly source any remaining energy 
needed, for example buy through green tariffs. 
Further information on energy efficiency, energy 
generation and grants can be found at: 

� 
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk 
� 
www.carbontrust.co.uk 
� 
www.sbsa.gov.uk 
� 
www.cat.org.uk 
� 
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk 
� 
Wind energy www.bwea.com 
� 
Energy Generation Supplementary Planning 
Guidance, CNPA 

Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 
(B) Water 
For a Water Hierarchy, the same principles 
would also apply; 

� 
reduce the amount of water used, 
for example, using low flow appliances, 
collecting rainwater; 
� 
reduce the amount of wastewater 
requiring treatment, for example use grey 
water from showers/baths for flushing toilets, 
watering gardens, washing cars; 
� 
treat surface water locally, for example 
allow rainwater to drain away naturally by 
using permeable surfacing for paths and 
driveways; 
Further information on sustainable drainage options, 
water conservation and rainwater harvesting 
systems is available from: 

� 
Green roofs www.ciria.org.uk 
� 
SUDS manual www.ciria.org.uk 
� 
Sustainable Drainage Design Guide for Housing 
in the Countryside, Highland Housing Alliance 
� 
Regulations and habitat enhancement 
www.sepa.org.uk 

� 
Recycling rainwater and grey water 
www.environemnt-agency.gov.uk 

(C) Waste 
The Waste Hierarchy principles are: 

� 
prevention � avoid making waste and reduce 
waste, for example plan your project carefully 
to avoid over ordering materials: 
� 
re-use �waste�, for example use construction 
�waste� such as timber or bricks on site for 
creating paths, or raised beds in the garden; 
� 
recycle or recover � recover value from 
products when they reach the end of their lives, 
for example composting or recycling; 
� 
disposal � following the above steps should 
mean there will be little left which requires 
disposal. 
Information on household waste and recycling 
including identifying what can be recycled and 
where can be found at: 

� 
www.wrap.co.uk 
� 
Composting www.wasteawarescotland.org 
and www.soilassociation.org 
Advice on managing construction and demolition 
waste is available from: 

� 
www.constructingexcellence.org.uk 
� 
www.ice.org.uk 
� 
www.aggregain.org.uk 

Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 
(D) Materials 
There is a growing range of sustainable construction 
materials available. Advice on selecting and 
specifying sustainable construction materials is 
available from a variety of sources including: 

� 
www.greenshop.co.uk 
� 
www.greenspec.co.uk 
� 
www.aecb.net 
� 
www.livingethically.co.uk 
� 
www.greenbooklive.com 
Information on the embodied energy of 
construction materials can be found at: 

� 
http://people.bath 
� 
www.forestry.gov.uk 
Timber specific information is available from: 

� 
Forestry Commission Scotland 
www.forestry.gov.uk 

� 
Green Oak in Construction 
www.trada.co.uk 

� 
Centre for Timber Engineering 
www.cte.napier.ac.uk 

� 
Central Point of Expertise in Timber (CPET) 
www.proforest.net/cpet 


� 
Using Local Timber � Contributing to 
Sustainable Construction � Guidance for 
North Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, 
Cairngorms National Park Authority, Moray 
Council,Aberdeen City Council,Aberdeenshire 
Council and The Highland Council. 
Consideration should also be given to the materials 
used for decoration and furnishing. Up to 90 per 
cent of the internal surface area of a building 
may be covered in synthetic petrochemical based 
coverings, and studies have also shown that the 
indoor environment can be much more polluted 
than the external environment as a result of some 
of these materials. Choosing sustainable materials 
will help to reduce this pollution. 

For example, using water-based paints and finishes, 
which are low in volatile organic compounds 
(VOCs), will help buildings breathe thereby help to 
regulate moisture and reduce mould, and it�s easier 
to clean your brushes. 

Sustainable options for carpets and floor coverings 
include natural products such as linoleum, cork, 
rubber, grasses, straw and bamboo. 

Further sources of advice 

There are various sources of advice on this topic, 
including a leaflet produced by the Scottish Building 
Standards Agency (SBSA) aimed at those seeking to 
improve the sustainability of their homes � 

www.sbsa.gov.uk/homeimprovements 

This is supported by more detailed guidance on 
the website which covers a wide range of topics, 
including: 

� 
energy efficiency; 
� 
roof insulation; 
� 
draught-proofing; 
� 
secondary glazing; 
� 
kitchens and bathrooms; 
� 
central heating; 
� 
conservatories; 
� 
gardens. 

Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 
Conserving and enhancing the 
natural environment 

There are many opportunities in, on, and around 
existing buildings to enhance opportunities for 
wildlife. Some of these are quick and easy, others 
take more time to plan and construct. In most cases 
some maintenance will be required � even if this is 
simply cleaning out bird boxes before the nesting 
season. 

Some simple ideas include: 

� 
install a water butt to provide water for 
your garden; 
� 
use a composting bin or wormery for garden 
and organic kitchen waste; 
� 
plant native species of trees, shrubs and 
flowers to encourage natural predators such 
as frogs and ladybirds which will keep the 
greenfly at bay; 
� 
a pond or bog area will also encourage frogs, 
toads and insects; 
� 
put up bird and bat boxes; 
� 
give yourself a rest and encourage wildlife by 
letting an area of your garden go wild; 
� 
lighting in gardens can be detrimental to 
wildlife especially birds and moths; 
� 
use permeable surfaces for paths and parking 
to allow rainwater to drain away naturally. 
Further sources of advice 

Information and advice on the natural 
environmental of the Cairngorms National Park 
is available from: 

� 
Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for 
the Householder, CNPA (2005) 
� 
Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) Project 
� 
Natural Heritage Supplementary Planning 
Guidance, CNPA (2010) 
www.cairngorms.co.uk 

General information on the natural environment is 
available from a variety of sources including: 

� 
SEPA Habitat Enhancement Initiative 
www.sepa.org.uk 

� 
Information on the use of native species in 
planting is available from Scottish Natural 
Heritage www.snh.org.uk 
� 
Biodiversity by design - TCPA (2004) 
www.tcpa.org.uk 

� 
Green roofs www.ciria.org 
Information on organic gardening and grow-yourown 
is available from a variety of sources including: 

� 
www.soilassociation.org 
� 
www.gardenorganic.org.uk 

Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 Improving the sustainability of existing buildings section 4 
Planning permission 

Some improvements to existing buildings may 
require planning permission, Listed Building 
Consent, and/or a building warrant.Works which 
can be undertaken without the need for planning 
permission are set out in the General Permitted 
Development Order www.opsi.gov.uk. If in doubt, 
consult the relevant planning authority: 

Highland Council 

Telephone: 01463 702000 

www.highland.gov.uk 

Moray Council 

Telephone: 01343 563501 

www.moray.gov.uk 

Aberdeenshire Council 

Telephone: 08456 08 12 07 

www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk 

Angus Council 

Telephone: 08452 777 778 

www.angus.gov.uk 

Listed Buildings 

Historic Scotland maintains a database of all Listed 
Buildings.To check if your building is listed, go to: 

www.historicscotland.gov.uk. 

The relevant planning authority will also be able to 
advise on Listed Building Requirements. 

Building Warrants 

The Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA) 
website provides information on works which 
require a building warrant: 

www.sbsa.gov.uk 

Advice on works requiring a building warrant 
can also be obtained from the Building Standards 
section of the relevant planning authority. 


Cairngorms National Park Authority 
14 The Square 
Grantown-on-Spey 
Moray PH26 3HG 
Tel: 01479 873535 
Fax: 01479 873527 
Email: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk 

Albert Memorial Hall 
Station Square 
Ballater 
Aberdeenshire AB35 5QB 
Tel: 013397 53601 
Fax: 013397 55334 

� CNPA 2010.All rights reserved. 
ISBN 978-1-906071-07-3 

www.cairngorms.co.uk 


For a large print version of this publication, please 
contact the Cairngorms National Park Authority on 
tel: 01479 873535. It can also be viewed on our website 
and is available in other formats on request. 

Design: Sabato 
Printed on Neusiedler paper by Mondi. FSC certified. 
Photo credits: TBC CNPA, www.cairngormlandscapes.co.uk, David Gowans, Stewart Grant