Planning application process
Application Process
Planning applications fall into one of 3 categories (Local, Major and National). What constitutes a 'Local', 'Major', 'National' development is outlined in The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Development) (Scotland) Regulations 2009 and further information can be found in Scottish Governments Hierarchy of Developments Circular 5/2009. The decision process and the roles involved are different for each category:
Local Development includes extensions to existing houses and small-medium developments involving uses such as housing, industry and retail on sites of less than 2 ha. The statutory period for determining these applications is 2 months*. The guidance notes below provides additional information about the processing of applications for Local Developments.
Major Development includes developments of 50 houses or more, large retail developments and certain waste, transport, and energy related developments. The statutory period for determining these applications is 4 months*.
National Developments are mainly large public works and are identified in the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework. The statutory period for determining these applications is 4 months*.
*Unless otherwise specified in a Processing Agreement. Further information on Processing Agreements can be found in our guidance note below.
Guidance Notes
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