Follow-up public engagement event to take place in Ardersier on 11 March
Following the first, well attended public event about a possible proposal for a Masterplan Consent Area (MCA) Scheme at Ardersier, the local community is encouraged to take part in a second engagement event planned for 11 March 2026. This second event will provide an opportunity to hear feedback on the comments made by members of the public at the first event, to respond to additional information, and to share further views on the potential MCA.
The Highland Council continues its work to speed up the delivery of much needed homes and infrastructure across the region. MCAs offer a new approach to planning, allowing a council, a local community and a developer an opportunity to work collaboratively to shape and consent large or complex sites for development. This framework aims to simplify the planning process, cut delivery times, and give communities a more direct opportunity to influence how their place could evolve in the future.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “Around 100 people attended the two sessions we held in the community in January. It was encouraging to see such community interest in potential development, to gather constructive feedback and to understand local concerns.
“We hope to see even more residents on the 11 March. Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping how this potential development could evolve. This second public session will provide further space for open, one‑to‑one discussion. By taking part, you can help ensure that any future proposals for the area are informed by the people who know Ardersier best.”
Chair of the Housing and Property Committee, Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair added: “We are very grateful for the engagement we have received so far from the local community. By opening the conversation early and continuing the engagement, we are ensuring that local voices guide the direction of this possible proposal from the very beginning.”
The prospective development partner is Springfield Properties and the proposal under consideration is for a residential led mixed use development including up to 600 homes, community facilities and associated support infrastructure works on land east of the village at Ardersier Mains.
The second engagement event is planned for Wednesday 11 March at the War Memorial Hall, Station Road, Ardersier. Members of the public are invited to an informal drop-in session anytime from 3pm until 8pm. Given the high numbers attending the first event, a round-table discussion will now not be held at the second event but instead there will be a longer opportunity for individual discussion with Council and developer staff.
Comments can be submitted by email to MCA@highland.gov.uk , via the Council’s Consultation Portal, at the event via paper forms, or verbally during discussions. The final deadline for written comments is 31 March 2026.
Further details, including maps and background information, are available on the Plan Delivery page of the Highland Council website.