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The Development Plan in Highland is comprised of National Planning Framework 4, our Local Development Plans and associated Supplementary Guidance. This Development Plan sets out how Highland places could grow and change over time.
Register with our consultation portal to be kept up to date with changes to our plans.
Scottish Ministers adopted and published National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) on 13 February 2023 when it became part of the Development Plan (and replaced NPF3 and Scottish Planning Policy).
This plan contains general development policy for the whole of the Highland area outwith the Cairngorms National Park and was adopted in 2012.
These plans provide policies and proposals for their areas:
Search our A to Z of Development Guidance
We have tools that support the delivery of the Development Plan.
Our Delivery Programmes identify the main actions and requirements for implementing the policies and proposals set out in our plans.
Our monitoring activities help us understand current and forecasted change on the ground, and help us plan for the infrastructure and services required to ensure high quality communities in Highland:
We are currently preparing a new Highland Local Development Plan (HLDP).
We want to make sure that those living, working, visiting, and investing in Highland have the chance to help prepare this new Plan.
You can read about timescales and how to get involved in the HLDP preparation in our Development Plans newsletter.
Local Place Plans allow communities to submit ideas and proposals for their area that can be taken into consideration while the Local Development Plan for their area is being prepared.
As part of the evidence gathering for the new HLDP, there is currently a deadline for the submission of Local Place Plans.
Read about our old local plans for Highland that have been replaced by the other documents listed on this page.