The north-east’s newest town has provided inspiration for a Japanese study into sustainable communities.
A group of house building professionals from the land of the rising sun visited Chapelton of Elsick as part of its European study.
The Elsick Development Company (EDC) has planning permission for 4,045 homes as part of the £2billion North Kincardine scheme, but has a long-term vision for 8,000 properties.
Around 70 residents have already moved into the site and, last year, the second phase of construction of 100 homes got under way.
More than 20 managers and directors from the Machinami Foundation were accompanied on a tour of the burgeoning community by director of the EDC, the Duke of Fife.
The group is hoping to encourage a shift in focus in housing developments in Japan from quantity to quality.
The foundation was set up in 1979 with the aim of improving housing in the country through studies of both residential lifestyles and environments.
Speaking of the visit, the Duke said: “It was a great pleasure to host the Machinami Foundation on site in Chapelton.
“The group was particularly interested in learning more about our commitment to providing a sustainable community in the north-east of Scotland which boasts a range of house type designs and facilities, which allow our residents to live, work and enjoy their leisure time right here at Chapelton.
“Since work started on site a few years ago, Chapelton has attracted much attention from developers, local businesses and academics.
“As we now see the community mature, it’s great to see interest from associations further afield.”
Yuichi Matsushima, executive director of the foundation, said: “We have all found it extremely beneficial to visit Chapelton. The study of each of these aspects will very much help us in driving change in Japan in order to bring about a new way of thinking when planning and developing towns.”