Highland Wide Local Development Plan - Examination Report

22nd December 2011

The Highland Council has received the Report of Examination for the Highland wide Local Development Plan from the Scottish Government's Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals. The Highland wide Local Development Plan is the key planning document to guide development across Highland for the next ten years.

This draws to a close the independent examination of the unresolved issues following the consultation on the Highland wide Local Development Plan and now the Council can move forward towards adoption of the plan.

The unresolved issues from members of the public, community groups and the development industry have now been considered by the Reporters, who have, where necessary, made a series of recommendations as to how the Council should change the Plan These recommendations are binding on the Council and will be reported to the Planning Environment and Development Committee being held on 18 January 2012.

Some of the headline conclusions and recommendations include:
Support for the Vision and spatial strategies for Highland as a whole;
Support for the development of the A96 growth corridor between Inverness and Nairn including developments at Tornagrain, Beechwood Campus, East Inverness and Nairn;
Support for population projections and the housing land supply needed in the Highlands, which are deemed reasonable and in line with Scottish Government policy and guidance;
Removal of a residential expansion allocation at Culloden Moor;
Support for developments at key sites in Ross-shire and Caithness, including Nigg, and John O' Groats;
Support for all of the general policies of the plan subject to some modifications.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: "The Highland Council is the first local authority in Scotland to receive a Report of Examination for one of the new style Local Development Plans. Officials will now be sieving through the report and next stages of work to allow the Council to move swiftly to formal adoption of the Highland wide Local Development Plan which is anticipated in Spring 2012. It is pleasing that many of the key strands of the Council's development strategy have been supported by the Reporters, including the critical role of Inverness and the A96 Corridor, and the opportunities across the Highlands in respect of renewable energy. The process has been independent and transparent, and the outcomes will help guide development across Highland for the next ten years and beyond. The new development plan sets out an ambitious vision for the future of the Highlands and provides a firm foundation for economic recovery and sustainable growth over the coming decade."

The Report of Examination will be available to view in all Highland Libraries and Planning Offices soon. You can also view the report online on the link below:
www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/developmentplans/localplans/HWLDPExamination.htm

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

 
Eilidh Primrose is the New Highland Youth Convener

The Highlands has a new young people’s champion after confirmation that Eilidh Primrose has taken up the role of Highland Youth Convener for 2026-27.   Twenty-two-year-old Eilidh, who lives in Inverness, is the 18th person appointed to the position and has taken over from Leah McBain.  

1/9/2026 : Local Authority

What Changes in Highland Today? New Rules for Private Hire Drivers and a Fresh Garden Waste Year

For most people in Highland, 1 September is simply the start of another month.  But today also marks the beginning of two changes introduced by Highland Council which will affect different groups of residents.  

2/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Candidates for Highland Council Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election.  There are 5 candidaes.  

31/8/2026 : Local Authority

Head Teacher at Thurso High School, outlined measures that have helped improve educational outcomes

Highland Council’s strategy to raise attainment in the region is making good progress, with encouraging early data emerging from this year's examination results.   Last week councillors on the education committee noted the work undertaken in Highland Council's Education and Learning Improvement Plan (ELIP) and the associated Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS).  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

Council Funded Advice services assist 25,000 customers and exceed £30.3 million in financial gains

Almost 25,000 customers were assisted by the Council’s Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice during 2025/26 for support with welfare, debt and housing issues.   As a result, financial gains for clients exceeded £30.3 million, representing a £18.84 return for every £1 allocated to these services by the Council.  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do We Need a New Kind of Cemetery? Could Highland's Greenspaces Help Make Funerals More Affordable?

There may be no more appropriate time to ask Highland Council whether we need to rethink the way we remember those who have died.   The Council has just launched a six-week consultation on its draft Greenspace Biodiversity Management Strategy 2026-2030.  

26/8/2026 : Local Authority

The Triple Squeeze: Energy, Mortgages and Council Tax — How Much More Can Households Take?

There is a point at which individual increases in household costs stop being individual problems and become something much bigger.   A £100 increase in the annual energy bill may be manageable.  

24/8/2026 : Local Authority

Thurso Schools: Public Meeting and Statutory Consultation – Key Dates

Highland Council has now formally launched its statutory consultation on proposals to replace Thurso High School and reorganise primary school provision in the town.   The consultation concerns the proposed relocation of Thurso High School, Pennyland Primary School and Miller Academy Primary School to a new education campus based around the existing Thurso High School site and the proposed Community Point of Delivery.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Public consultation to help shape future policy protecting Highland's dark skies

Councillors have approved the launch of a public consultation on draft guidance aimed at reducing light pollution across the Highlands, supporting environmental protection, public wellbeing and the area's internationally recognised dark skies.   Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee yesterday (Thursday 20 August) agreed to publish the draft Reducing Light Pollution: Good Practice Guidance for consultation, once minor clarifications are included, giving residents, communities, businesses and developers the opportunity to help shape future policy.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Highland bus service improvement plans

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed plans to launch a 12-week public consultation on a proposed Highland Bus Service Improvement Partnership (BSIP), giving communities, passengers and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the future of bus services across the region.   The consultation will seek views on draft proposals developed by The Highland Council in partnership with HITRANS and bus operators to improve the operational performance, accessibility, attractiveness and consistency of bus services across Highland.