The Highland Council is seeking local feedback on a proposal to establish a Masterplan Consent Area (MCA) in Embo.

This new legal planning tool allows the council to grant "up-front" planning permission for significant development sites, drastically reducing the administrative time required to deliver homes and infrastructure.

The proposal, brought forward by developer Coul Enterprises, involves a phased residential development of up to 150 dwellings on land adjacent to the village. The plans include:

- A mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced housing.

- Affordable housing units to meet local demand.

- Community assets including a woodland, food-growing area, and amenity open space.

- Biodiversity enhancements and supporting infrastructure.

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The initiative follows the Highland Housing Challenge Partnership Action Plan, endorsed in late 2025, which aims to address the region's acute housing shortage by streamlining the planning process.

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "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."

Public Engagement Events Two drop-in sessions will be held at The Old School, School Street, Embo, to allow residents to view maps and discuss the proposals with council officials and the developer:

• Event 1: Thursday, 29 January 2026

• Event 2: Thursday, 5 March 2026

Both dates will follow the same format: an informal drop-in session from 3pm to 5pm, followed by an evening session from 6pm to 7:30pm featuring a formal presentation and round-table discussion at 6:30pm.

Councillor Glynis Sinclair, Chair of the Housing and Property Committee, added: "This is an important chance for the community to help shape the future of Embo. We want to hear your views and ensure that any development reflects local priorities and aspirations."

The first deadline for formal feedback is 13 February 2026, with a final cut-off for comments on 31 March 2026. Residents can submit views via email to [email protected] or using paper forms provided at the events.