What are Online Local Development Plans?
An online local development plan is a website for members of the public, businesses and developers to search and view local development plan information. Online local development plans will allow access to interactive local plan information providing a clear vision of how settlements and rural areas should evolve. Viewers can view on digital maps, land that has been identified to meet the key needs of economic growth along with local housing developments.
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Where can I view plans?
Hard copy plans are available at your local planning authority office and usually through your local library. Through ePlanning, local development plans will be available online, through the planning pages of the Local Authority or National Park.
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How do I apply for planning permission online?
If you want to apply for planning permission in Scotland you can do so at www.eplanning.scotland.gov.uk . Simply register with the site, identify the location or property that you wish to make a planning application for and follow the steps and guidance through the online forms.
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Can I still submit a paper application?
Yes - you can still pick up application forms from your planning authority and submit them in hardcopy, if this is you preferred approach.
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Can all types of planning applications be sent electronically?
Electronic applications are most suitable for submitting small to medium sized applications - domestic dwellings, house extensions etc. If you are unsure if an electronic application is appropriate for your application, please contact your local planning authority.
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What happens when I apply online?
When you apply online your application is sent electronically to the planning authority responsible for determining your application. The website will identify the correct planning authority for your application by the location noted on your proposal. As you progress through the application forms and submit the application, the responsible planning authority is shown on the website.
The site will guide you through a number of steps, dependent on the type of application (or appeal) that you are submitting. There is help text and a user guide available throughout.
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How will I know my Planning Authority has received my electronic application or appeal?
On submitting your application or appeal, an instant automated confirmation is sent to your email address from the ePlanning Scotland website. Once your application has been received at your planning authority, a second confirmation email will be sent by the individual authority.
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How long will it take for my planning application to be determined using ePlanning?
ePlanning Scotland's primary aims are to make the planning system more efficient. With ePlanning, automatic checks are carried out as users progress through the online forms. This will reduce the number of planning applications submitted to planning authorities incorrectly or without the necessary information, speeding up the processing times. A decision with regard to your application, should therefore be reached sooner, as a result of reduced delay in the processing and submission of your application.
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How much does it cost to make a planning application online?
The cost of submitting a planning application online is the same as submitting a hardcopy application. Planning fees are determined by the Scottish Government (The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and can be calculated using the fee calculator at https://www.eplanning.scotland.gov.uk .
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How do I pay for a planning application online?
You can pay for an application online using a variety of different methods including online payments and payment by cheque. As you are making the payment to your specific planning authority, the way in which you pay is determined by the facilities available at that planning authority .
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Can I attach plans / drawing and supporting documentation with my electronic application?
Yes. There is however, is a size limit of 5 MB for each individual file added to your application and a total size limit of 25 MGB for all your supporting documentation. If you need to exceed either of these limits, you will need to contact your planning authority or the DPEA for further instructions.
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What format should I send my attachments in?
We accept DOC, DWG, GIF, JPG, PDF, PLT, TIF, TXT, XLS and XLW.
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Can I look at all planning applications made in my area?
Yes - On the planning pages of each local authority or national park website there are pages dedicated to searching for, and viewing planning applications online. You will be able to view planning applications and all associated documentation.
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How do I track my applications progress?
You need to register on your planning authorityl website before you can track your planning application. Once registered, you will be able to view your application and receive email notifications of progress such as change of status or any new documents received.
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If I have a problem with the ePlanning Scotland website- who do I call?
If you have a problem the ePlanning Scotland website there is a dedicated helpdesk to assist you. You can send an email to ePlanningScotland.ServiceDesk@saic.com or you can phone 01355 84 5127 during office hours.
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