The Highland Council has opened a public consultation regarding a proposal for a Masterplan Consent Area (MCA) Scheme at Ardersier Mains, a project that could deliver up to 600 new homes.

MCAs are a relatively new legal planning mechanism designed to streamline the delivery of large-scale housing and infrastructure. By providing advance consent for significant sites, the tool aims to reduce the time traditionally required for planning approvals while maintaining a focus on community involvement. The proposal for Ardersier includes a residential-led mixed-use development featuring community facilities and essential infrastructure, with Springfield Properties PLC named as the prospective developer.

At a meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee last November, councillors agreed to progress several MCAs across the region to address urgent housing shortages.

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Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, commented: "Members endorsed the use of MCA's in implementing the recommendations set out in the Highland Housing Challenge Partnership Action Plan, reaffirming our ambition to tackle housing pressures and support economic growth across the region. Masterplan Consent Areas will allow us to respond more quickly to economic opportunities and housing pressures, while ensuring communities are actively involved in shaping development from the outset. It's a streamlined yet more inclusive way to plan for Highland's future."

Two public engagement events have been scheduled for Wednesday 14 January at the War Memorial Hall on Station Road, Ardersier. An informal drop-in session will run from 15:00 to 17:00, followed by an evening session from 18:00 to 19:30. The evening slot includes a formal presentation and a round-table discussion beginning at 18:30. Due to limited capacity for the discussion, those wishing to attend the evening session are asked to register via email at [email protected].

Councillor Glynis Sinclair, Chair of the Housing and Property Committee, added:

"Our ambition is to deliver 24,000 new homes over the next decade and MCA's will play a vital role in addressing the housing shortage and unlocking new opportunities. This is an important chance for the community to help shape the future of Ardersier. We want to hear your views and ensure that any development reflects local priorities and aspirations."

The Council is accepting feedback through email, paper forms at the events, or verbal contributions. The initial deadline for comments is 13 February 2026, with a final closing date of 31 March 2026.