Residents in Ardersier are being encouraged to take part in a second public engagement event to discuss a potential Masterplan Consent Area that could shape future development in the village.
The event, organised by Highland Council, will take place on 11 March and follows a well attended first session earlier this year where around 100 people came along to hear about the proposal and share their views.
The proposed Masterplan Consent Area would cover land east of the village at Ardersier Mains and could see the development of a residential led mixed use site including up to 600 homes alongside community facilities and supporting infrastructure.
Masterplan Consent Areas are a relatively new planning approach designed to simplify the process for large or complex developments.
The model allows councils, developers and local communities to work together to agree the overall design and planning framework for an area before individual projects are built.
Highland Council says the approach aims to speed up the delivery of much needed homes and infrastructure while giving communities a stronger voice in shaping local development.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“Around 100 people attended the two sessions we held in the community in January.
“It was encouraging to see such community interest in potential development, to gather constructive feedback and to understand local concerns.
“We hope to see even more residents on the 11 March.
“Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping how this potential development could evolve.
“This second public session will provide further space for open, one to one discussion.
“By taking part, you can help ensure that any future proposals for the area are informed by the people who know Ardersier best.”
Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair, Chair of the Housing and Property Committee, said early engagement with the community is an important part of the process.
“We are very grateful for the engagement we have received so far from the local community.
“By opening the conversation early and continuing the engagement, we are ensuring that local voices guide the direction of this possible proposal from the very beginning.”
The prospective development partner for the site is Springfield Properties.
The next engagement session will take place at the War Memorial Hall on Station Road in Ardersier on Wednesday 11 March.
Residents can attend the informal drop in session at any time between 3pm and 8pm to view information, speak with council officers and developers, and share their views.
Comments can be submitted by email to MCA@highland.gov.uk , via the Council’s Consultation Portal, at the event via paper forms, or verbally during discussions.
The final deadline for written comments is 31 March 2026.
Further details, including maps and background information, are available on the Plan Delivery page of the Highland Council website.
