The guidance aims to establish a positive, clear and consistent basis for considering and determining rural housing planning applications across the whole of the Highland Council region in light of both national and local planning policies and the Highland Housing Challenge declaration. 

Chair of the committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “Following the decision by members today, I am pleased that we now have a positive, clear and consistent basis for considering and determining rural housing planning applications across the whole of the Highland Council area.

“We recognise the need to ensure the process of reaching a planning decision on developments is a key hurdle. The Guidance clarifies the critical role that rural housing plays in addressing the Housing Challenge, whilst ensuring that there is as much flexibility as possible for additional housing to be provided within housing groups.”

As another key tool for addressing the Housing Challenge and understanding future housing and employment needs, the council is taking early action by announcing the launch of a “Call for Sites” for the Highland Local Development Plan by the end of 2024.

Developers and landowners across the Highlands are encouraged to start preparing their submissions, and a template that will be used to submit sites will be available shortly on the council’s website.