The Highland Council City Leader, Ian Brown, is to push for the quick implementation of Priority Action Status for the city centre.

The move would help address the problem of city centre properties that are lying empty, but could be used for some much-needed housing in the area.

Priority Action Status should see empty properties on the first floor and above in the city converted to provide residential accommodation. The actions identified in the Plan by the council include suggestions to:

update the City Centre Development Brief

the promotion of key development sites in Inverness and other town centres

provision of a flexible approach to development proposals for changes of use in properties on the first floor and above and an emphasis on working with building owners to highlight opportunities for residential development.

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City Leader, Councillor Ian Brown, said he felt the move is vital.

He said: "Ensuring vacant properties in our city centre are brought back into productive use is a key priority of the Council. I really feel that bringing people back to live and work in our city is critical to creating a vibrant and sustainable environment. This is about business and jobs for the city ultimately."

Council Leader Drew Hendry added:"The focus of the Priority Action Status is very much on providing help to allow people to convert empty properties on the first floor and above and rent out the accommodation. Our Council team will be providing advice and working with developers to make sure procedures are dealt with as efficiently as possible.

"We will also have specialists from the housing service to give property owners help. This joined-up approach complements the other initiatives we have in place, including the work of the Empty Homes officer the Council has appointed to work with property owners to increase the amount of residential use in our centres. This can easily be applied to other towns across the Highlands."

A progress report, as well as details of how the project will operate, will be presented to the Council's Planning Environment and Development Committee next month.

(JP/CD)