Planning Decisions
Applications for planning permission are dealt with, in the first instance, by the local planning authority. Each authority works under the general principle that decisions are taken at the most local administrative level, unless there are compelling reasons for taking them at a higher level. This approach has been reinforced by successive governments which, as a matter of policy, have kept their involvement in local decisions to a minimum. The Scottish Ministers would, therefore, contemplate intervening in the determination of a planning application only in very exceptional circumstances.
Any application for planning submitted to a planning authority should conform to policies contained in the development plan - in other words the adopted local plan and the approved structure plan for the area. A planning authority may, however, grant planning permission in respect of an application which does not accord with the provisions of an adopted local plan, provided the application has been advertised and consideration has been given to any representations received. In most cases a planning authority would not require the Scottish Ministers' consent should they wish to grant planning permission for a development which does not accord with the local plan.
Scottish Ministers have the power to make decisions on planning applications, but only in certain circumstances - for example, if a council does not want to follow an approved structure plan or it has a financial or other interest. Some applications, however, raise a significant number of objections or have implications beyond the local area. In such cases, planning authorities must notify the Scottish Ministers if they are minded to grant planning permission, in respect of certain categories of development. These are known as notified applications.
A table updated weekly showing planning applications by the Scottish Government which are under consideration and awaiting final decision by Ministers.