The Aberdeen firm said the application will achieve a platinum and gold sustainability label under section 7 of the building standards technical handbook and has been designed to be sympathetic to the local agricultural environment.

Heating and hot water will be provided via ground source heating with PV glazing providing electricity. Solar water heating and hot water recovery systems will also assist in reducing energy demands, as will the wood burning stove with heat recovery system.

Each dwelling has been designed to maximise solar gains with maximum wind protection.

The positioning of the properties allows each to have a private sheltered external space that is not directly overlooked by any of the other properties.

Plot A will be positioned within the existing hill with grass sedum roof and garden walls specified to minimise the visual impact of the properties on the sloping landscape.

Bob MacGregor, principal designer for Cooper & MacGregor, told Scottish Housing News: “The design and specification of the houses has been produced with the Scottish Government’s aims to significantly reduce household and construction carbon emissions by 2020 in mind. Sustainable design is very important to us and our client, as a result it has been at the heart of the design process.”