A proposal to build a low-carbon community of the future in Aberdeen has been chosen to help spearhead a campaign for a greener and better designed Scotland.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the proposal for a new neighbourhood at Grandhome and Whitestripes is to be included in the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative.

The Aberdeen proposal is one of just 11 chosen from across Scotland to be part of the SCCI and pick up a share of £400,000 in Scottish Government support.

The initiative is a new approach to delivering future homes and community facilities in attractive and energy-efficient neighbourhoods that seek to match the best quality standards of mainland Europe.

The SSCI was launched by the Scottish Government in June 2008 to encourage the creation of places which are designed and built to last, where a high quality of life can be achieved and which demonstrate how we can reduce our ecological footprint.

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The proposal by the Grandhome Trust aims to create a distinctive community that combines homes, workspace and local facilities in the woodland setting of the Grandhome Estate on the outskirts of the city.

The launch of the initiative coincides with Aberdeen City Council's Design Campaign. In partnership with the Robert Gordon University, the city council is aiming to raise design quality aspirations, encourage and stimulate discussion, and involve communities in the future of the city - with the ultimate goal of raising design standards in new development.

Councillor Scott Cassie, Convenor of the city council's planning committee, welcomed the Scottish Government's announcement.

He said: "This is an exciting initiative which puts design quality and sustainability at the heart of future development consideration. The recognition given to a proposal in this area by the Scottish Government under the SSCI is particularly welcome."

The Grandhome Whitestripes outline proposals have been submitted for inclusion in the Main Issues Report for consideration in the Aberdeen Local Development Plan.

Dr Margaret Bochel, Head of Planning and Infrastructure, welcomed the initiative as "a means of raising our standards overall".

She said: "The proposal still has to be considered through all the normal planning and consultation processes. However, it is very positive that a new neighbourhood proposal for Aberdeen has been recognised by the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative. It will help us work together with the community to create better quality outcomes that benefit the city and its residents, and also set new standards for all our development."

(GK/JM)