HCH at Orkney Planning Conference
22/09/2009

Orkney has the opportunity to set an example to the rest of Scotland in how to develop and sustain its communities. That was the view of Dualchas architect Neil Stephen who was speaking at a housing event in Kirkwall last week about rural planning and design.

"Orkney has a beautiful landscape and a varied and distinctive settlement pattern. But the worry of many is that both could be spoilt if the wrong housing is built in the wrong places. But with the positive approach shown by the local planners and councillors, there is no reason why this should happen."

The conference was organised by the Scottish Government and Orkney Council, and brought together officials and elected members from as far afield as Argyll, the Shetlands, the Highlands and the Western Isles, and looked at how design and planning could help build sustainable communities. All these areas face the same problems - how do you respond to the desire for more housing and amenities, while protecting the value of what is already existing.

Dualchas Building Design and Hebridean Contemporary Homes have been working in many of these communities for years, doing modern houses based on the local vernacular, and according to Neil, a similar approach is required for Orkney.

"Outside the main centres of population the settlements are of clustered farm buildings and scattered housing. They are usually sited as a response to the gales and the buildings tend to be narrow in form, with no projecting eaves to catch the wind.

Neil’s presentation showed how simple traditional building types can be developed in to modern architecture which fits in to rural landscapes. Many of the planners in attendance were delighted to see that through Hebridean Contemporary Homes, these designs were readily available as an alternative to the suburban style kit, which many believe are to the detriment of our landscapes.

"It is up to the planners to sit down with communities and architects to look at settlement patterns and building types and work out how we provide buildings which fit in to the natural and built environment. It requires some thought and time, but if done properly, Orkney can further enhance its reputation for design excellence, and be an exemplar for Scotland."

These views were echoed by the chief planner for Scotland, Jim MacKinnon, who was attending the event. He has pledged that his department will review the progress Orkney's planners have made in a years time, so positive outcomes from the conference can be judged.