Refining Of Highland Council's Approach To Developer Contributions And How Communities Can Help

19th August 2023

Highland Council's Economy & Infrastructure Committee on 17 August 2023 agreed two reports that relate to developer contributions and the next steps for the preparation of a new style Development Plan for Highland.

One of the reports confirmed how a new Development Plan aims to represent all partners and communities across Highland.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "Scottish Government guidance expects new-style development plans to be place-based, people-centred and delivery-focused.

"This is our current focus, and we are going to develop a programme of engagement that allows people to put their place and priorities on the map, and safeguard and strengthen the resilience of Highland communities, businesses and environment."

He added: "I think its important people feel they can influence plans and decisions that affect them."

Further information on National Planning Framework NPF(4) and the Development Plan for Highland can be found in Item 12 of the report, which was presented to Members at Highland Council Headquarters in Inverness yesterday.

The process of preparing the plan is starting with an information gathering stage to help achieve common understanding of the status and future priorities for the region.

Approval of the report by Members yesterday will lead to a programme of engagement activities to seek the views of those living, working, and visiting Highland.

Local community groups are also being encouraged to prepare Local Place Plans for their community as part of the evidence for the plan.

A separate report
Item 8 updated and refined the Council's approach to developer contributions and how communities and members can contribute their ideas and suggestions.

Further guidance on the programme for engagement for Highland Local Development Plan will be made available at www.highland.gov.uk/developmentplans

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Yesterday : Local Authority

Homelessness statistics in Scotland - April to September 2025

An update on Homelessness Statistics covering 1 April to 30 September 2025 has been released today.   Over that period: There were 20,643 applications for homelessness assistance.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

Council Services Outsourced But Not Immune - Why High Life Highland Is Still Vulnerable to Budget Cuts

When Highland Council transferred responsibility for leisure, culture and community learning services to High Life Highland (HLH), the move was often presented as a way to protect valued local services from the worst of council budget cuts.   By placing libraries, leisure centres, swimming pools and cultural provision into a charitable trust, the council could take advantage of tax reliefs, external funding opportunities and more flexible operating arrangements.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

How Highland Council's Budget Decisions Expose Some Services More Than Others

Highland Council faces a set of financial pressures that are both familiar across Scottish local government and uniquely intensified by its geography, population size, and historic investment choices.   While headline debates often focus on council tax rises or total debt levels, the real impact of financial tightening is felt in how different services are protected, redesigned, or reduced over time.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

Which Services Are Most Likely to Face Cuts or Reductions At Budget Day

When budgets tighten in Highland Council, cuts tend not to fall evenly.  Some services are much more exposed than others because of how local government funding rules work and because of Highland's geography.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

How Highland Council Debt Affects Local Services

Highland Council's high debt connects to local services and council tax, in practical, day-to-day terms.   Council debt doesn't pay for services directly — but it affects them.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Debt Is One Of Highest Per Person in the UK

Highland Council has one of the higher levels of debt among Scottish local authorities, especially when looked at per person.  It is not necessarily the absolute highest in total debt compared with councils that have much larger populations like Edinburgh or Glasgow.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

 
Scotland's councils risk becoming financially unsustainable

Whilst councils have made significant savings, the cost of delivering services is rising faster than available funding.  This risks the financial sustainability of councils over the next three to five years.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

Asset Management is a catalyst for change for The Highland Council

At the Housing & Property Committee (Wednesday 28 January 2026), Members approved the introduction of a new framework to guide decisions on the future of its assets, supporting a more efficient, sustainable and future-ready approach to service delivery.  The Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) will help streamline the estate, embed new ways of working, and contribute to significant savings set out in the Council's Delivery Plan.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

Reduction in households in temporary accommodation and improved housing outcomes

At Housing & Property Committee (Wednesday 28 January 2026), The Highland Council reported a strong performance across several key housing indicators, including a reduction in households in temporary accommodation, improved repairs times, and the lowest level of rent arrears in three years.   New figures show that the number of homeless households living in temporary accommodation has fallen to 421, the lowest level recorded since The Scottish Government introduced this measure in April 2016.  

24/1/2026 : Local Authority

 
New facility for additional support needs pupils at Wick High School

Last week Wick High School was delighted to welcome guests from The Highland Council, Wick High Parent Council and the wider community to the open day of a new facility for children with additional support needs.   Avonlea, which was previously a residential unit, has now been repurposed, and this enhanced provision represents a significant step forward for pupils with complex additional support needs.