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Development guidance

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Development plans

The Development Plan comprises National Planning Framework 4, our Local Development Plans and associated Supplementary Guidance. These plans set out how Highland places could grow and change over time.

We want to make sure anyone with an interest in the future of Highland communities has the chance to help prepare and review our Local Development Plans. Register with our consultation portal to be kept up-to-date with changes to our plans. You can read about timescales and how to get involved in our Development Plans newsletter.

Help us by taking our Participation Statement Surveythe survey closes at 5pm on 31 May 2023.

National Planning Framework

Scottish Ministers adopted and published National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) on 13/2/2023 when it became part of the Development Plan (and replaced NPF3 and Scottish Planning Policy).

Find out about the Council's input to the prepartation of NPF4.

Highland-wide Local Development Plan

This plan contains general development policy for the whole of the Highland area adopted in 2012.

Area Local Development Plans

These plans provide policies and proposals for their areas:

Contact us

Local Place Plans

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. 

More information

Delivery Programmes

These programmes set out the development and infrastructure projects and other actions needed to deliver our Local Development Plans.

There is also the Delivery Programme for NPF4.

Old Local Plans

Monitoring