Masterplan Consent Areas
We are considering the use of Masterplan Consent Areas (MCAs) within Highland. The Masterplan Consent Areas Statement explains that consideration.
An MCA is a way to accelerate the delivery of a development site. We feel this is needed better and more quickly to meet the current high demand for new homes in Highland, which is expected to continue as more jobs are created in the area.
We have made a decision to progress 3 possible proposals for MCAs at Essich Road (Inverness), Ardersier and Embo (Sutherland).
Each MCA has formal Public Notices and maps that explain more.
Public engagement events
Initial public engagement on the 3 areas started in January 2026.
At the next events, staff from our team and the potential development partner will be available to present information and answer questions.
There will not be a formal round-table seated session at a fixed start time.
Ardersier
Next event: 11 March 2026, 3:00pm to 8:00pm, War Memorial Hall, Station Road, Ardersier IV2 7SS
- View the public notice
- First event: 14 January 2026
- Give Online feedback and view supporting files
Essich Road (Inverness)
Next event: 19 February 2026, 3:00pm to 8:00pm, Culduthel Christian Centre, Culduthel Ave, Inverness IV2 6AS
- View the public notice and display boards
- First event: 19 January 2026
- Online feedback
Embo (Sutherland)
Next event: 5 March 2026, 3:00pm to 8:00pm, Old School, School Street, Embo IV25 3PZ
- View the public notice and display boards
- Clarification on development partner intentions
- First event: 29 January 2026
- Online feedback
If you wish to find out more about what an MCA is, how it will accelerate development, and why we have chosen the 3 initial sites, then read the latest MCA Committee Report.