Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Highland’s Development Programme Gets Green Light
The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee has taken a significant step in enabling the delivery of development across the region by approving and adopting the Local Development Plan Delivery Programme for IMFLDP2.
In line with the report recommendations, the committee has agreed to consult more widely on a draft Highland Delivery Programme. This programme will be vetted by the full council in the future and serve as the principal corporate and cross-agency tool for spatial coordination of investment in Highland.
Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, emphasised the importance of new investment to offset the impacts of growth, particularly in infrastructure capacity such as schools and transport. The Delivery Programme plays a crucial role in coordinating this investment, making it transparent for communities, the development industry, infrastructure providers, and the Council.
“The support from the Committee today paves the way for us to use the Delivery Programme to secure funding and coordinate other funding opportunities to deliver essential infrastructure and services,” said Councillor Gowans. “Proper place-based coordination of investment in Highland will ensure that every pound, whether public or private, goes further.”
The next phase involves launching a consultation on the Highland Delivery Programme. While the programme has already been reviewed with input from various infrastructure partners, it will now be opened up to wider consultation, including local community groups.
Councillor Gowans highlighted the importance of this consultation process: “This consultation will allow for a consideration of wider views on the proposed actions for delivering development.”
A further report to the committee in early 2025 will provide feedback from the consultation and suggest next steps towards the implementation of the Highland Delivery Programme.
