The report 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. 

Focus on the issues surrounding housing in the Highlands were highlighted during the recent Housing Summit organised by the council. The event explored the council’s agreed objectives including levering finance from different means; finding varied mechanisms to build new housing; flexibility regarding the ownership of housing; and finding new ways to maximise the supply of land.

Chair of the Committee, Council Ken Gowans, said: “The successful Housing Summit brought together representatives from National and Local government and private sector interests, both large and small, from across the fields of energy, housing development and commerce, to focus on the challenges in Highland.

“Good quality affordable housing is essential to attract and retain people in our communities. Our aim is to provide housing that supports the rural economy across Highland, to create resilient, high-quality sustainable communities to respond to the Highland Housing Challenge.

“The report we will be discussing at our Committee clearly sets out the relevant policies which will be applicable across the differing areas of the region and directing people to how the council interprets these within the adopted Rural Housing Supplementary Guidance document.

“I look forward to the committee discussing the report.”

Following discussions the Committee will be asked to

• Consider and agree the Rural Housing Supplementary Guidance – Explanatory Note; and
• Note that, from the point of approval by Committee, this Explanatory Note will inform all planning advice and decisions.