HC’s Updated ‘Guide to the Planning System for Community Councils’ (and Communities)
“The purpose of planning is to manage the development and use of land in the long-term public interest.” Guide to the Planning System for Community Councils
The Highland Council’s updated ‘Guide to the Planning System for Community Councils’. Circulated by Highland Council March 2026; Document dated March 2023.
The document defines the core stages of planning and development, from small scale projects to major incoming developments, covering:
- Development Plan
- Development Management
- Development Enforcement
Topics covered include sections on:
Development Plans | National Planning Framework | Highland Wide Local Development Plan | Area Local Development Plans (Highland) | Engaging in the development process | Place Based Approach | LPP | Development Management | When permission is required | Permitted development | Development hierarchy | PANs | Application process | Consultees | CCs as Consultee | Material considerations | Committee or delegated decision | Listed buildings | Conservation areas | EIAs | Protection of trees | Planning Enforcement | Reviews and appeals etc