What is the Development Plan?
All of the Highland area is covered by a development plan. Development Plans consist of two documents: the Structure Plan and the Local Plan. The Council is required by law to prepare these documents.
The Development Plan contains the Highland Council’s intentions for the development and use of land within an area. It addresses a wide range of issues, including housing, shopping, business, industry, transport, recreation and the natural heritage. It contains policies and proposals which provide the main basis for the Council to assess applications for planning permission, and which give you an understanding of planning issues for your area.
What is the Structure Plan?
A Structure Plan is a written statement and a key diagram which contains broad land-use planning policies and proposals that cover a wide area and map out a vision for how the area should develop over a period of 10 years and beyond.
Structure plans take a strategic view of development and set the context for local plans in terms of regional issues such as transport, housing, and industry. The Structure Plan is approved by the Scottish Ministers after wide consultation with the public. The Structure Plan for The Highland Council covers all of the Highland area and was approved by Scottish Ministers in March 2001.
What is the Local Plan?
The Local Plan covers a smaller area than the Structure Plan. There are currently 15 adopted Plans in the Highland area (see where they are on the Development Plan Register). They are detailed and site specific and must complement the Structure Plan. A Local Plan consists of a written statement and site-specific maps.
What types of development does the Local Plan cover?
The Local Plan covers a wide range of developments, including housing, shopping, business, industry, transport, recreation and the natural heritage.
Are Development Plans important?
The policies in the Development Plans will affect your life everyday. By getting involved in the plan preparation you can have a say in the future of your community and environment.
How can I get involved?
The Council must publicise the preparation of a development plan to the general public and provide opportunities for you to comment. You can contact the Council and make your views known or attend any organised local meetings with Council officers and local Councillors.
How do I get my piece of land included/considered for inclusion in the Local Plan?
A developer or owner can contact the Local Plan team in the Council. If The Highland Council agrees to include the site within the plan then the Council will undertake the consultation procedures on your behalf. If the Council does not agree then you have the option to object to the non-inclusion of the development proposal.
How can I comment on a development proposal?
You can comment on a development proposal at any time during the preparation of a Local Plan by contacting the Local Plan team at The Highland Council. The Council will publicise any events and provide opportunities for you to have your say.
How can I get planning advice?
You can get planning advice from Council officials in the Planning and Development Service or through planning policy and advice published by the Council. Planning Aid Scotland also provide free advice.
Please contact:
Malcolm Macloed, Policy & Information Manager.
Tel: 01463 702 506.
Email: malcolm.macleod@highland.gov.uk
Alice Brown, Local Plans Technical Support Officer.
Tel: 01463 702 262.
Email: alice.brown3@highland.gov.uk