Developer Contributions for Schools to be reviewed

14th August 2017

The Council is to review developer contributions for schools in the Inverness area.

Taking account of the forecasted phasing of housing sites, school roll forecasts indicate that Primary Schools in Inverness are under pressure and require significant additional capacity to support growth. In addition, all Inverness secondary school are forecasted to go over capacity within the next 15 years. Three of the five Inverness secondary schools are already experiencing capacity issues with school rolls in excess of 90%.

Leader of the Council, Margaret Davidson said: "We urgently need to plan ahead for school capacity, particularly in primary schools, to keep up with development in the city. The Council is undertaking proactive work to ensure that our future communities can be provided with the facilities required to support a good quality of life and the future education of our children."

A review has commenced on the Developer Contributions Supplementary Guidance which was adopted in March 2013 and a new draft is anticipated to be reported to the Places Committee in November for approval. Alongside, a review of the Action Programme for the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan (IMFLDP) is providing an up to date picture of the infrastructure requirements to support growth in the IMFLDP area.

This work has highlighted that the methodology for calculating developer contributions for education needs to be updated. It has also highlighted that to meet the requirements for new schools to support future growth in Inverness in particular the new-build costs set out in the existing Developer Contributions Supplementary Guidance need to be clarified.

Members of the Council's Places Committee will be asked on Wednesday 16 August, to agree that negotiations on developer contributions within the Inverness associated schools groups' catchment areas will be subject to new build equivalent rates based on benchmarking with equivalent developer contribution rates used by other Councils in Scotland and a review of recent school developments in Highland.

Per-pupil costs translate to a per-dwelling cost of £6,983 for primary schools and £3,449 per dwelling for secondary school (excluding land costs). The new rates are proposed for new primary and secondary schools for any new development where there is a clear need for new schools as a result of construction.

Alongside the developer contributions for forecasted school provision, it will be vital to also factor land costs in the final calculation of developer contributions. In all cases developers will be expected to safeguard and make available the land agreed with the Council for school provision.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

11/8/2026 : Local Authority

 
Nature Restoration Fund Community Grants Programme opens for applications

Community groups, charities, public sector bodies and other eligible organisations across Highland are being encouraged to apply for funding through the 2026/27 Highland Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) Community Grants Programme, which opens for applications on Friday 14 August 2026.   Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, with grants available from £2,000 to £25,000 for capital projects that help restore nature, safeguard wildlife and address biodiversity loss.  

7/8/2026 : Local Authority

Convener welcomes funding to support Cairngorms businesses

The Scottish Government has confirmed a £3 million fund to support businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire.   The funding package was announced today by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Tourism, Stephen Flynn, during a visit to Glenmore.  

6/8/2026 : Local Authority

Timetable for Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

A Highland Council by-election is being held for Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness following the resignation of Willie Mackay.   The Notice of Election and timetable for this election will be published on the Council’s website on Friday 14 August 2026.  

5/8/2026 : Local Authority

Qualifications Scotland exam results for young people across Highland 2026

Yesterday 4 August 2026 we celebrate the success and achievements of all our young people as they receive their Qualifications Scotland (QS) results, previously known as SQA.  These results are an initial snapshot of attainment and achievement for the 2025/26 session.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council Launches Community Transport Grant Funding for 2027–2030

Community groups and organisations across the Highlands are being invited to apply for funding through The Highland Council's Community Transport Grant Scheme.   The scheme supports community-led transport services that help people access healthcare, employment, education, shopping and social activities.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Council leader welcomed Wick Air Service Funding for 2026/27

The Leader of The Highland Council has welcomed confirmation from Transport Scotland of almost £1.8 million funding to support Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services from Wick for the year ahead.   Following an open tender exercise, the Council has awarded the contract to Air Charter Scotland, which will continue to operate services between Wick and Aberdeen and introduce scheduled flights between Wick and Glasgow from 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Businesses invited to help shape recovery response following Cairngorms wildfire

As the emergency response to the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park continues, attention is now turning to economic recovery and supporting the businesses and people whose livelihoods have been impacted.   The Highland Council through Business Gateway Highland is working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Government, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Cairngorms Business Partnership as part of a multi-agency business recovery group.  

23/7/2026 : Local Authority

England Cuts Business Rates for Hospitality – Will Scottish Businesses Be Left Behind?

The UK Government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for many hospitality businesses in England, offering welcome relief to pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and live music venues that have struggled with rising costs in recent years.   For thousands of businesses south of the Border, it could mean lower bills and a little more breathing space.  

16/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Small Grants Programme Reopens with Expanded Support for Community Organisations

The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding.   Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.  

14/7/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do you want a say in the future development of Highland?

Share your ideas and help shape the places, spaces and communities of tomorrow.   The Highland Council is inviting people to share their ideas relating to the development or long-term land use in Highland.