Lochaber Hospital Planning Approval Secured

We are delighted to share that Lochaber Hospital planning approval has been granted, marking a significant milestone in NHS Highland’s vision to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose healthcare facility in Fort William.

Approved by Members of The Highland Council South Planning Applications Committee on 17 June 2026, the proposal will see the development of a new 11,800m² rural general hospital at Blar Mhor, located just over two miles north of the existing Belford Hospital.

The new 38-bed hospital will replace Belford Hospital, which is no longer considered fit for purpose, and will provide contemporary healthcare facilities designed to meet the evolving needs of the Lochaber community for decades to come.

Keppie has been working alongside NHS Highland and Balfour Beatty as part of the wider project team, helping to shape a design that places sustainability, patient wellbeing, and long-term resilience at its core. Embedded throughout the scheme are low-carbon and sustainable design principles, supporting NHS Highland’s ambition to create a healthcare facility that is both environmentally responsible and future-focused.

Our Planning Team played a key role in guiding the project through the planning process, working collaboratively with The Highland Council, NHS Highland, and the wider consultant team to secure this important consent.

A Vision for Future Healthcare in Lochaber

The Lochaber Hospital project represents a substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure for the Highlands. The new facility will provide modern clinical environments and improved healthcare services, creating a hospital that is better equipped to support patients, staff and visitors, while responding to the changing healthcare needs of the region.

The approval follows the submission of the planning application in February 2026 and reflects the shared commitment of all project partners to delivering a facility that will have a lasting positive impact on local communities.

A Collaborative Achievement

Lochaber Hospital planning approval is a significant achievement for everyone involved. It reflects months of planning, engagement and collaborative working across the project team.

Furthermore, the approval demonstrates a shared vision for the future of healthcare in the region. It also provides a strong foundation as the project progresses into its next phase.

Fiona Davies, Chief Executive of NHS Highland, said: “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and planning by our colleagues in Lochaber and the wider teams. They have gone over and above to help us secure this milestone and I am grateful for their efforts.

We also recognise the work of our partners in this project, Balfour Beatty and Keppie Design, and we will continue to work closely with them throughout the next steps of this exciting process.

We continue to build momentum with this project and I am excited about working closely with our partners and local communities as we take the next steps forward together.”

Looking Ahead

Securing planning approval is a major achievement for the project team and an important step towards delivering a healthcare facility that will transform patient care across Lochaber.

At Keppie, we are passionate about creating places that make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. We are proud to have contributed to this milestone and look forward to supporting the continued progression of this landmark project as it moves into its next phase.