Design Statement Land west of New House Achnaba, North Connel, , and Bute, PA37 1RF.

Introduction

This Design Statement has been prepared based upon guidance to be found in ’s Design Statements – Guidance Note, the Argyll and Bute Local Plan (ABLP) and Planning Advice Note 68: Design Statements.

The Site

The site lies east of White Lodge, west of New House Achnaba, and immediately north of the C25 Bonawe public road, and on the shore of .

The site sits down slightly from the C25 behind the remains of a stone dyke. Ground level is similar to that of the adjoining site, New House Achnaba.

The boundaries of the site are defined as follows: the eastern boundary is formed by a burn (Allt Tigh Dhonnchaidh); the southern boundary by the road; and the other two boundaries by rising wooded land.

The site forms part of woodland that extends to the north and west, with the site itself containing a number of mature trees, which screen it from the road and from adjoining properties. Many of these are of an age, and state of health, where removal is likely to be the recommended management solution.

Although this application is being submitted without any details, the intention would be to site the dwelling in the central (flatter) part of the site, and approximately in line with the adjoining new dwelling to the east. This part of the site has just a few trees that would need to be removed to facilitate this. Equally, a number of poor specimens, and semi-mature, trees will need to be removed to allow an access to be formed from the C25. It is intended to replant the site once construction of the dwelling has been completed.

Tree removal will mean that the dwelling with initially be visible from the road, forming a cluster with the two new dwellings recently built adjoining it, along with Achnaba Lodge, Achnaba Cottage and Tigh Na Coille, but this will decrease over time as planting matures.

The site is not subject to any biodiversity (SiteLink) or cultural heritage (PastMap) designations, and whilst being bounded by a burn, is not within the SEPA indicative flood plain.

Layout and Design

The exact details for the application site have yet to be decided upon, but the intention is to build a traditionally designed dwelling, which will suit the local vernacular and be to the latest sustainable standards.

The intention is to source all materials locally and from sustainable sources.

Energy Efficiency

The proposed dwelling will be designed to be as energy efficient as possible.

The applicant is also considering other renewable energy solutions to reduce overall heat and electricity consumption.

Landscaping

Every effort will be taken to retain as many existing trees as possible. However, once construction of the property has been completed, the aim will be to plant garden and boundaries such that the property is appropriately screened from neighbouring properties and blends with its surroundings.