NHS Highland has confirmed that the planning application for the new Lochaber Hospital is now formally with Highland Council, marking a major step forward as the project moves into March.
The application for the proposed 11,800 square metre replacement for Belford Hospital was submitted last week by Keppie Design on behalf of Balfour Beatty and NHS Highland.
With the paperwork now lodged, the focus shifts to planning scrutiny and public visibility.
The new hospital has been designed to provide modern facilities for patients, staff and visitors across Fort William and the wider Lochaber area.
Low carbon and sustainable design principles are built into the plans, alongside a layout intended to improve patient experience and support more efficient clinical delivery.
Fiona Davies, Chief Executive of NHS Highland, said:
“The submission of the planning application is a truly exciting moment for NHS Highland and for the communities of Lochaber.
“This project has been shaped by listening carefully to patients, staff and local people, and it is wonderful to see that vision now formally presented for planning consideration.
“The new hospital will support the transformation of health and social care in this area for generations to come, and I look forward to continuing to work with our partners and the community as we take the next steps forward.”
Alongside the planning submission, NHS Highland also held an Option Appraisal Workshop last week bringing together community representatives, Belford Hospital staff and executive directors.
The session forms part of the Outline Business Case, which is now being finalised.
Participants assessed and scored potential options using HM Treasury Green Book guidance, applying weighted criteria to determine which approach delivers the greatest benefit for patients, staff and the wider community.
NHS Highland says the process is designed to ensure transparency and value for public investment.
A decision on the planning application is expected by the end of June.
For Lochaber, the replacement of Belford Hospital has been years in discussion.
The next few months will determine how quickly that long awaited vision moves from paper to ground.
