Planning and Development Service

The Planning and Development Service prepares plans for each of the Council’s Areas setting out the land use planning framework for development and as such the basis on which planning applications will be determined.  Building standards are then the activity which sees a planning permission converted into buildings on the ground.  There is a wide range of information and guidance available online to make planning and building warrant applications.  In addition to producing the actual planning documents, guidance is offered on a range of planning issues.

A key function of the Planning and Development Service is to evaluate the potential for change and formulate policies relating to land and resource use in Highland. These policies are published in various Development Plans, including the strategic Structure Plan and more detailed Local Plans that aim to guide change.  Sustainability is a key principle of planning policies and a small team covers matters relating to sustainable development, biodiversity and Local Agenda 21.

Much of this policy work is backed up by in-depth research and the supply of information to the public and other agencies goes hand in hand with the production of plan documents. Statistical and geographic information services are provided across the Council as is the co-ordination of the Council’s lobbying efforts in respect of European affairs.

The protection, conservation and enjoyment of the built and natural environment is a further significant activity ranging from the protection given to historic buildings through archaeology to countryside ranger and access provisions.  The balance between protecting and exploiting the natural resources of the area is an important aspect of this work and expertise exists in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture,and forestry.

Further information on these services can be found under Planning.