Planning and Development
**What's New**
Highland-wide Local Development Plan
On 5th April 2012 The Highland-wide Local Development Plan was adopted by The Highland Council. The Highland-wide Local Development Plan (HwLDP) sets out the overarching spatial planning policy for the whole of the Highland Council Area, and replaces the Highland Structure Plan (2001), except for the area covered by the Cairngorms National Park.
Further details on the HwLDP and related changes to other Local Plans can be viewed on the Development Plans webpage.
Previous news announcements can be seen at the bottom of this page.
Planning Applications - apply for and search Planning Applications
(Making a Planning Application, Viewing a Planning Application, ePlanning, Weekly lists: planning applications)
Building Standards
(Applying for a Building Warrant, Weekly lists: building warrants) eBuilding Standards
Development Plans
(Local Development Plans, Local Plans, Planning Policy)
Planning Improvement Plan
Economic Development
(Economic and Business Development, Regeneration, Tourism, Film)
Energy Planning
(Renewable Energy, Energy Grid)
Coastal Planning
(Aquaculture, Coastal Development)
The Natural and Built Environment
(Forestry, Archaeology, Agriculture, Conservation)
Highland Facts and Figures
(Information on Highland and its people)
More about what the Planning and Development Service provide.
**Previous news**
From Wednesday 7th March a new approach to customer care is to be trialled for all Planning and Building Standards customers in Sutherland and Easter Ross. Customers will now be able to make general enquires or book an appointment by telephoning 01349 886608. Enquiries will be dealt with by Customer Service Advisors or a Duty Officer. Customers with ongoing applications will still be able to contact their case officer by phone or email.
Major changes to rules governing which alterations and extensions to private houses and flats require planning permission come into force on 6 February 2012. See our Householder Permitted Development section for more information on these changes.
The Planning & Development Service is in the process of implementing the Council’s Payment Strategy which means that at some time in the future, Planning and Building Warrant fees and other charges will not be able to be paid by cheque or cash. Alternative methods of payment will be advised in advance of any change being implemented and there will also be a transition period.