Residents in Ardersier are being invited to share their views on proposals for a new Masterplan Consent Area as part of wider efforts to address housing pressures across the Highlands.
Highland Council is consulting on the potential designation of a Masterplan Consent Area at Ardersier Mains, which would allow advance planning consent for a large development site.
Masterplan Consent Areas, known as MCAs, are a legal planning tool designed to speed up the delivery of housing and infrastructure while involving communities early in the planning process.
The proposal follows a decision by the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee in November to progress plans for several MCAs across the region.
Committee Chair Ken Gowans said the approach supports both housing delivery and economic growth.
“Members endorsed the use of MCAs to help implement the Highland Housing Challenge Partnership Action Plan, reaffirming our ambition to tackle housing pressures and support economic growth across the region.
“Masterplan Consent Areas will allow us to respond more quickly to economic opportunities and housing pressures, while ensuring communities are actively involved in shaping development from the outset.
“It’s a streamlined yet more inclusive way to plan for the Highlands’ future.”
The proposal under consideration in Ardersier is for a residential led mixed use development of up to 600 homes, alongside community facilities and supporting infrastructure.
The prospective developer for the site is Springfield Properties PLC.
To ensure local voices are heard, two public engagement events have been scheduled in Ardersier, with the first taking place on Wednesday the 14th of January at the War Memorial Hall on Station Road.
An informal drop in session will run from 3pm to 5pm, followed by an evening session from 6pm to 7.30pm, with a formal presentation and round table discussion beginning at 6.30pm.
Places for the evening discussion are limited and anyone wishing to attend is asked to confirm by email in advance, email address MCA@highland.gov.uk.
Local councillor and Chair of the Council’s Housing and Property Committee Glynis Sinclair said the consultation is a key opportunity for the community.
“Our ambition is to deliver 24,000 new homes over the next decade and MCAs will play a vital role in addressing the housing shortage and unlocking new opportunities.
“This is an important chance for the community to help shape the future of Ardersier and ensure development reflects local priorities and aspirations.”
Feedback can be submitted by email, on paper at the event, or verbally during discussions, with an initial deadline of the 13th of February 2026 and a final deadline of the 31st of March 2026.
A second public session is scheduled for the same venue on the 11th of March 2026.
Further details, including maps and background information, are available on the Plan Delivery page of the Highland Council website
