Milestone reached in delivering advice to support major developments in Highland

4th February 2013

A pioneering advice service from The Highland Council planners has proved to be popular with the developers in Highland.

The Pre-Application Advice Service for Major Developments, a cross Council and public agency project led by the Planning and Development Service, continues to go from strength to strength and has reached the milestone of 100 pre-application advice packs issued to the development industry.

The Service helps to make the planning process more effective and efficient by encouraging early and effective discussion with developers to better inform their subsequent planning applications for major projects such as housing developments of more than 50 houses, large shops and energy projects which generate more than 20mw of electricity . The service offers advice on a range of issues including transport arrangements, design, sustainability and community engagement. This simple, yet very effective service, has been recognised locally and nationally as a model of best practice and has garnered praise from partner organisations and the development industry.

Since its introduction in 2009 the service has considered and provided advice on a wide range of major developments proposed in Highland from new tourism facilities and accommodation to major housing developments and renewable energy projects.

Councillor Thomas Prag, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “People often feel the planning process can be long winded and unclear, so we wanted to find a way of helping applicants through the system. The Pre-Application Advice Service offers a great opportunity for the Council and the development industry to work closely together to help deliver better quality new developments which are so important to our communities and help deliver sustainable economic growth.

“This shows how we are meeting the challenges of planning reform by providing a service which not only speeds things up but creates an environment where there can be a greater understanding and cooperation between the public and private sector and most importantly for our communities - getting the right partnerships in place to deliver better developments in the right places.”

For more information on Pre-Application Advice Service for Major Developments please see:
HERE

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

6/3/2026 : Local Authority

My Highland Future showcases ambitious plans for employment and apprenticeship growth

My Highland Future showcases ambitious plans for employment and apprenticeship growth.   My Highland Future's ambitious plans to boost employment, apprenticeships and skills development across The Highland Council are being highlighted throughout Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 (2-6 March) with a commitment to expand the Council's in-house apprenticeship and career development pathways, while encouraging and supporting Highland businesses to get involved.  

5/3/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Graduate Apprentices support Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Four architecture and engineering Graduate Apprentices from Highland Council have taken part in an event for local schools to celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026.   More than 40 students from Inverness schools attended a construction and engineering event at Bught Park Pavilion yesterday organised by engineering company, Rybka and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW).  

5/3/2026 : Local Authority

 
New Naver Bridge welcoming traffic

The New Naver Bridge, located in Bettyhill along the A836, is now open to traffic.   Though currently open only as single carriageway, the new bridge, which is part of the North Coast 500, welcomed its first cars at the end of February.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highlife Highland Returns to Normal Financial Operating After Covid Support Ends

In the 2026/27 budget proposals, The Highland Council plans for High Life Highland (HLH) to return to a sustainable financial model following its post-COVID recovery period.   The key changes and expectations for HLH in the 2026/27 financial year include.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council Allocates More Cash For Schools in Budget Proposals

The Highland Council's budget proposals for 2026/27, announced in February 2026, include several key funding allocations for schools aimed at infrastructure and specialized service support.   Capital Investment & Infrastructure Highland Investment Plan: The council proposes to set aside 2% of its annual Council Tax revenue specifically for this plan.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highland council maintains no redundancy policy by hard vacancy management

For the 2025/26 and 2026/27 budget periods, Highland Council has avoided mass redundancies, instead managing staff reductions through vacancy management and redeployment.   Staff Reduction Levels & Strategy Vacancy Management: The primary method for reducing staff levels is "non-replacement"—leaving posts unfilled when staff leave or retire.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Huge Hike in Empty and Second Home Council Tax In Highland Council Budget Proposals

In the Highland Council 2026/27 budget proposals, the council plans to significantly increase council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties to address the region's housing crisis.   These "scorching" increases follow the removal of the previous legislative cap under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Balanced Budget For 1926/27 - Council Tax Increase 7% - Some Staff Posts Being Deleted

The Highland Council will meet on Thursday 5 March to consider a three-year financial plan, which sets out recommendations to deliver a balanced budget, alongside additional investment in adult social care, housing, education, workforce development, and roads.   The report outlines the challenges and opportunities faced by the Council alongside the administration's budget proposals, which, if agreed, would see: A 7% increase in Council Tax - 5% to support the delivery of vital Council services, plus 2% to support the Highland Investment Plan, a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme to deliver improvements in schools, local infrastructure and services.  

26/2/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Gaelic's growing role in the Highlands and Islands

Gaelic plays a significant role across the Highlands and Islands, contributing to community resilience, cultural development and sustainable economic growth.   Having a powerful social, cultural and economic role in the Highlands and Islands, its value to local people and businesses has never felt stronger.  

25/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highland School attainment: an improving picture underpinned by strategy and action - Wick School Highlighted

Attainment at Highland schools is improving, shaped by strategic changes and a targeted plan of action.   Today (Wednesday 25 February) Highland Council's education committee discussed the latest attainment update, which showed the progress being made in meeting the crucial targets of raising attainment and reducing the poverty related attainment gap.