What happens next

Once your planning application has been submitted, your planning authority will:

publish details of your application on their website
tell your immediate neighbours that an application has been made

While it's being considered, anyone can visit the planning authority's website to:

make comments on it
track the progress

Planning permission

Once a planning authority has a valid application, they aim to reach a decision within:

4 months for major developments
2 months for local developments

Find more out about how the planning system works on the Scottish Government website.

You can find more guidance on how to comment on or track an application in the ePlanning user guide.

Planning decisions

Once you've applied, the planning authority will decide whether to grant planning permission.

How long will it take?

In most cases, planning applications are decided within 2 months.

For unusually large or complex applications the time limit is 4 months. Planning authorities should offer to enter into a processing agreement with developers. This provides certainty and a project managed approach to decision making.

If the decision takes longer, you can appeal.

How will they decide?

Decisions are based on local development plans and will look at:

the number, size, layout, siting and external appearance of buildings
the infrastructure available – like roads and water supply
any landscaping needs
what you want to use the development for
how it would affect the surrounding area – for example, if it would create lots more traffic

In all cases the planning authority must make decisions in line with the development plan. This is unless 'material considerations' justify going against the plan.

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Planning decisions

How long will it take?

How will they decide?