A planning application has been made to North Ayrshire Council to build an eco friendly detached house boasting a range of green friendly features in Portencross.
The site of the new property would be on surplus garden ground adjacent to Portencross Road.
The site is west of Whinhurst Lodge, and was previously considered as part of the site development of Whinhurst Paddock from 2008–2012 and informally reviewed with North Ayrshire Council planning officials at that time.
Architects Stewart Associates, on behalf of applicant Mr S Dowdells, state that the development has "exceptional sustainable credentials in both structure and landscape and significantly enhances local biodiversity".
The design is for a sustainable modest three-bedroom house with associated external terrace and a garage with parking area.
The design statement reads: "The gross internal floor area of the house is 195 square metres including the mezzanine space over the kitchen and dining area.
"The garage and parking area proposed for the eastern part of the site is designed as a simple rectangular single storey building with a flat roof and covered car port area to the north."
In terms of its green credentials, the roof is slated with zinc ridging and is 'thermally modified' while the garage is large enough to accommodate a car and bikes with EV car charging proposed at the car port area.
Although connected to the electric grid and public mains water supply, the house has been designed to be as self-sustaining in energy as is practicable with a range of sustainable energy systems proposed.
A single phase 100A mains connection is also proposed – effectively as back-up to the solar provision and to ensure sufficient power to the ev car charging point at the garage.
Large areas of solar voltaic panels are proposed, generating a maximum output of 40Kw/h in summer reducing to 15Kw/h in winter.
The system has battery storage provision within an external store at the entrance courtyard.
Solar thermal panels are proposed to be integrated into the roof structure to help feed highly insulated hot water storage cylinders. The heat pump provides energy back up and raises the water temperature.
A concluding statement from Stewart Associates states: "The proposed house, garage and landscaping is sympathetic to the site and surroundings with a simple yet distinctive design.
"For the reasons described we would submit that the application should be approved as a result of its’ positive contribution to the environment of North Ayrshire."
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