Highland suggest that distinction should be made between types of rural areas

5. Rural Development 


5.1. Whilst the development of rural areas should continue to be supported greater emphasis should be made to those locations where there should be a more restrained approach to rural development. A greater distinction should be made between areas that suffer from depopulation and lack of economic development opportunities with those where development pressures are already significant. Cumulative impacts of development within pressured rural areas should be considered as a factor in considering development proposals.

Extract taken from, 'REVIEW OF SCOTTISH PLANNING POLICY' - Report to PED at link here

(REVIEW OF SCOTTISH PLANNING POLICY - Highland states: This report informs the Committee of the review of Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) being undertaken by the Scottish Government.  The Committee is asked to consider the draft Highland Council response on the first stage of the review of the Scottish Planning Policy contained in Appendix 1. )

(A meeting of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness onWednesday, 16 January 2013 at 10.30am.)

PED agenda here