Major pre-application advice
We encourage developers and their agents to discuss major development proposals with us early. Doing so helps clarify our position, improves proposal quality, and saves time and resources.
The more information you provide, the more detailed our response will be.
Fees
This service involves a fee, which is reviewed annually and updated in April. Details of the payable amount can be found on our main planning fees page. To help estimate your fee, you can use the Scottish Government’s Planning Fee Calculator.
Your fee will be calculated once you submit your application, and we will contact you to confirm the correct amount. Payment must be received at least five weeks before the scheduled meeting.
For payment options, visit our Planning Payment options page. Note, there is no refund if you withdraw within two weeks of the scheduled meeting.
How the service works
The Major Pre-Application advice service meets monthly with officials from Highland Council, NatureScot, SEPA, Transport Scotland and other key agencies. Meetings are chaired by a senior planning officer.
You will be invited to attend the meeting that best fits your timetable. During the session, you will present your proposal, followed by questions and feedback from attendees.
Submit your completed online form and payment at least five weeks before your preferred meeting date.
Meetings are held online via Microsoft Teams on a first-come, first-served basis.
2026 meeting dates
- Thursday 22 January
- Thursday 26 February
- Thursday 26 March
- Thursday 30 April
- Wednesday 27 May
- Thursday 25 June
- Thursday 27 August
- Thursday 24 September
- Thursday 29 October
- Thursday 5 November
- Thursday 26 November
Flow Country World Heritage Site
If your development is within or near the Flow Country World Heritage Site, include a completed screening checklist indicating the potential impacts on the site’s Outstanding Universal Values. This checklist is on the first page of our Impact Assessment Toolkit.
Renewable energy developments
Many major projects in Highland involve renewable energy. Our policy approach, guidance and visual standards provide relevant information. During the consenting process, Planning Aid Scotland offers helpful guidance on understanding renewable energy developments, available at their website.
How to apply
Use our online form to submit your application. If possible, include a .shp file showing the project boundary. When using AutoCAD, export in the 2010 version’s format, as newer versions might not be compatible with GIS software.
Pre-application Advice for Major Developments
Our response
The Pre-application advice pack
Within four weeks of your meeting, you will receive a summary pack covering key points, including:
- Principles and Policy
- Constraints
- Design
- Sustainability
- Amenity Impacts
- Transport
- Water Environment (flood risk and drainage)
- Public Consultation and Application Procedures
- Developer Contributions
- Documents or Information Requirements
Key agencies will contribute to this advice. We will clearly state whether your proposal is acceptable in principle or if modifications are necessary. If your scheme conflicts with policy or guidance, we will advise accordingly.
View example pre-application advice pack
Disclaimer
Any advice provided by our officers does not constitute a formal decision by the Council regarding a planning application. While it is considered a material consideration, it does not legally bind the Council in validating or determining any subsequent application.
Freedom of Information
Pre-application advice is confidential and not published online. However, it may be disclosed under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act upon request.
To request confidentiality, include a cover letter detailing why the information should be withheld and how long it should remain confidential. We may still release the information if there is a public interest. Once an application is submitted, related pre-application advice may no longer be considered confidential.