Corrour Field Centre secures planning permission

In a fantastic turnaround, planning permission has been granted for the Corrour Field Centre, a purpose-built facility which will accommodate much needed research and field trips for the students at the University of St Andrews. 

The development will see the creation of a residential research centre and staff accommodation, alongside landscaping, access routes, parking and associated infrastructure. 

Deliberations with the local planning department set out the case for the development of the research facility in a remote location, a critical requirement due to the nature of the research work to be carried out on site.

The project will be delivered through modular construction, using cross laminated timber formed from trees which have been felled on the estate, aiding the reduction of embodied and operational carbon.  The building will be powered from the adjacent hydro scheme which is one of four across the estate.  

The design intent sees the new development blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape to reflect and retain the traditional character of the local area. This was a key reason behind the Council’s decision to grant permission. Acknowledging the site’s remote and rural location which present limitations in terms of infrastructure capacity, the proposal ensures considered integration into the landscape.

The net result is a completely holistic approach to building in a remote landscape.