Scotland has its own planning system, separate from England and Wales. Planning applications are determined against the development plan (NPF4 plus the Local Development Plan) unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
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Check whether your development needs planning permission — some work is permitted development
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Check NPF4 and your Local Development Plan to understand the policies that apply to your site
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For major developments (50+ homes, 10,000+ sqm, 2+ hectares), carry out a minimum 12-week pre-application community consultation
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Submit your application through ePlanning Scotland (eplanning.scot) with plans, drawings, and supporting documents
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Pay the application fee (use the ePlanning fee calculator)
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Neighbours and relevant bodies are consulted — typically 21 days for representations
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The planning authority aims to determine local applications within 2 months and major applications within 4 months
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If refused, you can appeal to the Local Review Body (local developments) or Scottish Ministers (major developments)
Key differences from England
- Development plan status: NPF4 is part of the statutory development plan (the NPPF in England is guidance)
- Use classes: Scotland has a different use classes order (Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland) Order 1997)
- Appeals: Local Review Body handles appeals for local developments (not the Planning Inspectorate)
- Community engagement: Pre-application consultation is mandatory for major developments
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations
Browse UK legislation (opens in a new tab) legislation.gov.uk