Developer Contributions on agenda for The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee
The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee discussed a report providing an overview of how developer contributions are applied, managed and reported, reinforcing the role these funds play in supporting essential local infrastructure such as schools, transport improvements, community facilities and green infrastructure across Highland communities.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “Developer contributions are an important tool in ensuring that new development is supported by the infrastructure our communities require. The Committee’s discussions on the report and the points noted, provides clarity on how contributions are secured, managed and applied, and supports continued transparency in how these funds are used to mitigate local impacts.”
Developer contributions remain a key mechanism for addressing infrastructure requirements arising from development, helping to mitigate pressures on the Council’s Capital Programme by securing proportionate financial input from developers. Funds are ring-fenced and allocated within the relevant local areas, ensuring that investment supports identified community needs.
The Committee noted the current balances of all active contribution funds and the drawdowns made during the 2025/26 financial year, confirming that these mechanisms continue to support infrastructure delivery linked directly to new development.
The Committee also noted that developer contributions operate in alignment with National Planning Framework 4 and the Council’s adopted Supplementary Guidance, ensuring a consistent and policy-compliant approach. Contributions are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the statutory tests set out in Planning Circular 4/2025, requiring them to be necessary, proportionate and directly related to the impacts of development.
The Committee agreed that a further update report will be brought forward as soon as practicable following the end of the 2026/27 financial year.