Several public drop-in sessions are being held across Caithness this month, providing residents with an opportunity to learn more about and provide feedback on key planning initiatives for the region.

The events will focus on the draft Caithness Area Place Plan, the Highland Investment Plan, the Highland Local Development Plan, and the proposed Visitor Levy.

The Highland Investment Plan, a £2.1 billion, 20-year infrastructure investment programme, aims to address significant challenges facing the region. A key element of this plan is the establishment of Community Points of Delivery, which will provide a range of council services alongside other partner and community services. Thurso has been selected as a priority location for the development of a local place-based masterplan, and these events will provide an opportunity for the public to view the initial work and provide feedback.

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The Highland Local Development Plan (HLDP) will shape future planning applications and investment decisions across the region. The public consultation on evidence for the HLDP is currently underway and runs until 12 noon on 31st March 2025. A separate call for development sites is also open until 12 noon on 2nd May 2025.

The draft Caithness Area Place Plan will be presented at the events, capturing the priorities for the area and providing a framework for future service delivery and investment.

A public consultation is also underway on the proposal to implement a Visitor Levy in Highland. Officers will be available at the events to answer questions about the proposals and the consultation process.

Drop-in sessions will be held as follows:

• Wednesday 12th February: Pulteney Centre, Wick (10:00 AM - 3:30 PM)

• Tuesday 18th February: Thurso Library (3:00 PM - 7:30 PM)

• Wednesday 26th February: Lybster Community Hall (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

An online evening event will also be held on Wednesday 19th February.

Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, said: "These collaborative community events are an excellent opportunity for the public to come along and find out more about the future masterplanning for the area and ask questions and suggest ideas. It also opens the opportunity to connect and discuss further partnership working within our communities."

For those unable to attend the drop-in sessions, more details on the plans and access to the consultations can be found on the Highland Council website.