Council invites views on guidance for houses in multiple occupation

The Highland Council has prepared revised planning guidance for Houses in Multiple Occupation proposals and is asking for people’s views on it.

From 12th November the draft guidance will be available to view on the website http://www.www.highland.gov.uk/ and in local Highland Council Libraries, Service Points and at Council Headquarters in Inverness. The consultation runs until 21st December 2012.

Following a year-long moratorium on planning permission for new Houses in Multiple Occupation within Inverness City Centre, the Council is seeking people’s views so it can take forward a positive approach to Houses in Multiple Occupation for Inverness City Centre and the rest of Highland.  These approaches have been brought forward through an intensive period of partnership working between Council services and key stakeholders.

Councillor George Farlow, Vice Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee, said: “There is a demand for houses in multiple occupation to provide accommodation for a wide range of households including young people in employment or seeking work, students and lower income households as well as people who need support and those who are at risk of homelessness. There is no area in Highland where the need and demand for this type of accommodation is as high as it is in Inverness. This consultation gives everyone the chance to let us know what they think about the different options for addressing houses in multiple occupation provision within Inverness City Centre and across the rest of Highland.”

Comments on the guidance should be sent to the Council in writing, either by email to devplans@highland.gov.uk or by post to Development Plans Team, The Highland Council, Council Offices, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX, to arrive no later than 21st December 2012.

Anyone wishing further information or a paper copy of the document should telephone 01463 702259 or email devplans@highland.gov.uk.