THE Springfield Group has welcomed the endorsement of masterplan consent area (MCA) sites across the Highlands.
The Highland Council confirmed the move today, with the endorsement of three MCA sites in Ardersier, Emvo, and at Essich Road, Inverness.
Springfield Properties will act as delivery partner for the Ardersier site, while Tulloch Homes will take forward the Essich Road development in Inverness.
The MCA process is designed to help accelerate the delivery of major developments by establishing upfront planning parameters, infrastructure requirements, and design expectations for sites identified as strategically important to the region’s growth.
The Highland Council is the first local authority in Scotland to endorse the MCA model, underlining its commitment to delivering ambitious housing growth across the Highlands.
The endorsed MCA sites form a key part of the council’s response to growing housing demand, with an identified requirement for 24,000 new homes across the region to support population growth, retain and attract a skilled workforce, and enable long-term economic investment.
Developed through community consultation led by The Highland Council, the initial masterplans have been shaped by local feedback, ensuring community views were considered throughout the process.
Importantly, in response to local feedback, the number of homes proposed across all sites has been reduced. In Ardersier, Springfield Properties will now bring forward plans for a neighbourhood of up to 400 homes, down from the 600 originally proposed. Meanwhile, at Essich Road, Tulloch Homes will progress plans for 315 new homes, reduced from the initial proposal of 400 homes. Both developments remain subject to planning consent.
As well as delivering much-needed homes, the developments will bring wider benefits including investment in local infrastructure and community facilities, support for jobs and apprenticeships, and long-term sustainable economic growth across the Highlands.
Innes Smith, chief executive of The Springfield Group, said, “The endorsement of MCA sites is a pivotal moment for the region and will help unlock the pace and scale of delivery urgently needed to tackle the housing challenge across the Highlands.
“By embracing the MCA model at an early stage, The Highland Council is sending a clear signal that it is serious about turning ambition into homes, jobs and investment and it’s good to see this proactive approach mirrored within the communities engaging with the process.
“As a long-standing partner in the Highlands, The Springfield Group is ready to continue working collaboratively with partners across the public and private sectors to deliver real, lasting impact for local communities to meet growing demand.
