Highland Local Development Plan
Play Sufficiency Assessment
A Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) is the assessment of play spaces to understand the provision and quality of play spaces, and accessibility of play opportunities.
We have prepared a draft Play Sufficiency Assessment, in accordance with the statutory requirements and consideration to associated Scottish Government guidance.
The PSA has identified and assessed formal and informal play spaces in Highland, within Settlement Development Areas, as defined in Local Development Plans, to understand what facilities and functions different play spaces offer and where they may have limitations. Additional evaluation of accessibility and inclusivity of play spaces has also been undertaken.
The PSA is part of the evidence base which will inform the preparation of the new Highland Local Development Plan. It will also benefit Highland communities and stakeholders of play spaces, and will be used by Council officers and elected members involved in decision-making around the provision, improvement, and long-term management of play spaces.
We have prepared a draft Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) for the Highlands. This looks at play spaces to understand:
- what play spaces we have
- what facilities and functions they offer
- where they may have limitations
- how accessible and inclusive they are
The PSA focuses on formal and informal play spaces within Settlement Development Areas, as defined in Local Development Plans.
Why this matters
The PSA is part of the evidence base for the new Highland Local Development Plan. It will also help:
- communities and stakeholders who use play spaces
- council officers and elected members making decisions about play space provision, improvement and long-term management
View the draft assessment and map
Consultation feedback on this draft PSA is open from 16 January 2026 to 27 February 2026.