Highland Development Plans

Natural Environment

How will we manage our natural environment and biodiversity, whilst safeguarding and making the best use of our resources and natural designated assets? Reminder: We are looking for evidence on these things – read our Natural Environment paper, a part of our consultation for the new Highland Local Development Plan (HLDP) and give your comments by 12 noon on the 2nd of May. Access the consultation here: https://consult.highland.gov.uk/kpse/event/9D376DAB-42E8-4722-9AB2-5C223E68317E/s17307125355476

Access the consultation here: https://buff.ly/xNaADjp

Isle of Skye and Raasay

The key characteristic of this area is the extent and quality of its natural and cultural heritage; as explored within the Area Profile this can serve as both an advantage and a disadvantage.

The total population of this area is 10,686 , 4.5% of Highlands total population . There are 5,255 occupied households and 45.8% of these are located in main settlement areas. Isle of Skye and Raasay returned a score of 2.7/5 from the place-standard consultation launched in 2024, the joint-lowest among sub-regional areas, with public transport being highlighted as the greatest issue along with traffic, housing, and active travel infrastructure.

A Local Living Tool also highlighted that residential properties within Isle of Skye and Raasay Settlement Development Areas and Growing Settlements averaged a total living score of 9.6/16 based off a set of tests that determine how efficiently a property is located to key services provisions. Portree was found to have the highest average residential score at 11.7, whilst Edinbane returned the lowest score at 5.6.

Additional data has been further articulated within the Area Profile. Access the consultation here:

https://buff.ly/FDBCaxQ

We're consulting on what information developers should provide to justify a new development site in the new Highland Local Development Plan.

We'd love to hear your views.

Read more and take part here -

https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/16385/public_consultation_on_what_information_developers_should_provide_to_justify_a_new_development_site_in_the_new_highland_local_development_plan

Inverness Strategy showcase event at Town House 2-7pm today. Hear from businesses and groups investing and leading change across Inverness - you can also find out more on the Inverness strategy website https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/178/development_plans/988/inverness_strategy

The Inverness Strategy drop-in public event takes place in Town House today from 2pm - 7pm.

It will be interactive, with stalls to visit and representatives from all partners will be present to talk about projects and answer any questions.

All welcome

https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/16349/invitation_to_inverness_strategy_drop-in_event