Help shape the future of Highland: get involved in the new Local Development Plan
The Highland Council is inviting residents, businesses, and stakeholders to play a key role in shaping the future of the region through the creation of a new single Highland Local Development Plan (HLDP).
Set to be adopted by late 2027, the HLDP will serve as the foundation for deciding planning applications and guiding future development and investment across the Highlands.
Have your say: evidence consultation open until March 2025
The first step in this process is the Evidence Consultation, which runs until the end of March 2025. This is your opportunity to share insights, provide local knowledge, and highlight the key challenges facing the Highland region and its distinct sub-areas.
The Council is asking for public input on:
• The evidence needed to understand and address Highland’s pressing issues.
• Any additional information or resources that could guide the plan.
• Potential development sites that could support future growth.
Your contributions will help shape an Evidence Report, a key document that will undergo independent review later in 2025 before work begins on drafting the new plan.
Call for development sites: what you need to know
As part of the consultation, the Council is issuing a call for development sites. Landowners, developers, and community members are encouraged to submit potential sites that could be used for housing, industry, or mixed-use development.
For a site to be considered, it must include sufficient supporting evidence to ensure fair and transparent assessment. The Council will also explore opportunities to establish Masterplan Consent Areas—designated zones where development projects could benefit from a streamlined planning process.
Share your priorities through area profiles
If you have ideas or concerns about local priorities, these can be shared through the Area Profiles included in the wider HLDP consultation. This is a chance to highlight what matters most to your community.
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How to get involved
Visit the Highland Council’s website to learn more about the HLDP, contribute to the consultation, and explore how your feedback could shape the future of development in your area.
By taking part, you’ll help ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live, work, and invest in the Highlands.
X: @PlanHighland
Facebook: HighlandDevelopmentPlans
Phone: 01349 886608