Residents and local businesses are being invited to get involved in early engagement on a potential Masterplan Consent Area (MCA) at Essich Road, Inverness, as The Highland Council seeks to speed up the delivery of much‑needed housing and infrastructure across the region.

MCAs provide a new planning mechanism that allows councils to set advance consent parameters for large or complex sites. The approach is intended to streamline applications, shorten delivery timescales, and offer communities clearer insight into how a site may develop over time.

In November, the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed to advance several MCA proposals across Highland as part of a broader drive to unlock housing growth and address persistent delivery challenges.

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "We are using every tool available to increase the pace and quality of development across Highland, and MCA schemes are a key part of that effort. They provide certainty for communities, clarity for developers, and a more efficient route to delivering homes and supporting infrastructure. By opening the conversation early, we are ensuring that local voices guide the direction of change from the very beginning."

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At Essich Road, the emerging concept focuses on a residential development of up to 400 homes, with green space and essential infrastructure. Tulloch Homes Ltd is the prospective developer.

Two face‑to‑face events will give people the chance to hear more, ask questions and share their views. The first takes place on Monday 19 January at the Culduthel Christian Centre, with a public drop‑in from 3pm - 5pm and an evening session featuring a presentation and round‑table discussion from 6pm - 7:30pm. A second event, following the same format, will be held at the same venue on 19 February 2026.

Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair, Chair of the Housing and Property Committee, said: "Highland urgently needs new homes, and our aim to deliver 24,000 properties over the next decade will only be achieved through innovative approaches such as MCA schemes. This process gives communities a meaningful role in shaping long‑term development and ensuring it aligns with local needs and aspirations. We are keen to hear from as many people as possible."

Feedback can be submitted by email, via paper forms available at the events, or by contributing during the discussion sessions.

The first deadline for comments is Monday 2 February 2026, with a final deadline of 31 March 2026.