Vision for buildings and new development
Existing buildings and new development
Perth and Kinross promotes innovative, sustainable development of new buildings, retention and reuse of the best of our existing buildings through high quality development that enhances local character and respects its context.
Iconic - Perth Concert Hall. A landmark building and associated open space which respects its context
Introduction
The design quality of our buildings and public spaces is fundamentally important.
They set the scene for our lives and help to create positive environments that nurture and inspire us, as individuals and as communities. Good design supports our economy and meets the challenge of creating a dynamic Perth and Kinross with a strong visual identity and sustainable future.
Perth & Kinross Council believes that high standards in architecture and design should be promoted. High standards of design are inclusive and should be afforded to all users of buildings and spaces no matter their perceived importance. Positive environments are created from distinctive architectural forms and spaces.
The Scottish Executive through its 'Policy on Architecture for Scotland' and subsequent 'Designing Places' and 'Designing Streets Policy Statements', Scottish Planning Policies and a variety of Planning Advice Notes, has placed design at the forefront of the planning process.
These documents re-emphasise that design is a material consideration in determining planning applications. Development in Scotland is managed using a plan led system, which sets out what can be built and in which locations. Perth and Kinross Council operates under the TAYplan and its own local development framework consisting of a Structure Plan and Local Plans.
Perth and Kinross Council has a key role to play in encouraging applicants to improve standards of design. When a planning application is made, the design quality of the proposal is amongst the matters assessed by the Council.
The Placemaking Guide provides applicants with information and advice on the local context to be considered in maintaining buildings and developing design proposals and will be used in the determination of planning applications.
Maintaining and improving the quality of the built environment is not solely the responsibility of the Council. Owners and have a responsibility to maintain their buildings and spaces. Developers and designers have a responsibility to ensure that alterations and new development is sustainable of an appropriate quality that recognises local context.
The following design principles identify the objectives of Perth & Kinross Council in achieving consistent, high standards in design. The associated design chapters provide the context and guidance on how to put these principles into action, including relevant examples.
Principles
Principle 1:
To maintain and improve the identity and character of Perth and Kinross
All development proposals must be able to identify and capture the character and essence of a place.
Designers have a key role to play in conserving and enhancing the characteristics which give value in our built heritage such as identifiable settlement patterns, architectural form and landscape. New development or alterations which are sensitively designed with a sound understanding of immediate and surrounding context are more likely to be enjoyed, cared for and valued.
Redevelopment of Stanley Mills
Principle 2:
To encourage innovation and sustainability in design
The quality of our architecture and of our urban and rural places is vital to the perception of Perth and Kinross as a place of imagination, creativity and innovation. Sustainable outcomes can be achieved through contemporary, sensitively integrated, well designed and efficient developments, which positively enhance our built environment and help stimulate local economies.
Rock House, Loch Tay - Using existing onsite timber and stone, this award winning contemporary, sustainable home, has been designed with careful consideration to its context through form and finish.
Image © Andrew Lee |
Image © Simon Jauncy |
Cedar House, Logiealmond 'built within budget ethos; this award winning building shows how appreciation for context and a subtle application of high quality building materials are two basic elements to get right for a well considered design solution whilst not having to cost the world. (Awaiting better images)
Principle 3:
To encourage well connected welcoming places
A well thought out design must have well connected routes which provide access for all forms of transport and help define the boundaries between public, semi-public and private space thereby helping to create safe, secure and welcoming places.
Muirton, Perth - shared surfacing, which includes clear boundaries, movement choices, natural surveillance and retention of landscape features
By applying these principles, Perth & Kinross Council aims to raise the standard of design quality in the built environment when determining planning applications and advocate best practice, to ensure that Perth and Kinross is a welcoming, successful and creative place.
Summary - Sustainable Development
Perth & Kinross Council believes sustainable development is achieved through a close relationship between conservation, regeneration and innovation, balancing dynamic change on the one hand with conservation on the other; creating a place recognised for its heritage but also for its vision and vitality.
Successful building design involves particular skills and applicants are always recommended to employ the services of skilled design professionals including architects, urban designers, engineers and landscape architects to give advice on appropriate design solutions to any given project.
Those involved in the development process should follow the process in 'Part 1 - Background, Vision & Process' in order to demonstrate an understanding and how they have been considered in reaching a design solution.
Perth & Kinross Council aims to advocate best practice and raise the standards of design quality in the built environment by applying the principles contained within through planning policy and consideration of planning applications to ensure that Perth and Kinross remains a welcoming, successful and sustainable place.
