Highland-wide Local Development Plan Adopted

Today (Thursday 5 April), The Highland Council has adopted The Highland-wide Local Development Plan which will help to guide development and investment in the Highland area as a whole over the next twenty years.

The Plan sets the context and policy needed to grow successful communities right across Highland, meets the requirements for new homes and jobs whilst ensuring this is matched by the provision of infrastructure, services and facilities to support this growth.

It considers the areas special qualities, including the natural, built and cultural heritage, ensuring that they can be protected and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.

The Plan forms the cornerstone in a new development planning system for Highland which will continue to be delivered in the form of area local development plans which will contain all of the detail about new areas of housing, business, industrial and retail land in your local area. The first of these plans, the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan has just started a 12 week public consultation today.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “The formal adoption of the Highland-wide Local Development Plan is a key step for the Highlands and will make a significant contribution to the creation of important development opportunities across the Highland Council area. The Plan will also help address a wide range of needs in our area. The delivery of this plan within the term of this Council is a great achievement and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to a modern, streamlined planning system – a system with a focus on promoting economic and community growth and high quality design in Highland. I want to put on record my thanks and appreciation for the considerable contribution of a wide range of groups, organisations, communities and individuals who have helped to shape the planning policies which will guide development right across Highland for many years.”