Frequently
Asked
Questions
We have set out our frequently asked questions below to help you with your initial queries.
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Guidance on statutory timeframes for planning applications is also set out against more realistic timeframes once the Local Planning Authority has validated an application. Please note that the realistic timeframes provided below are averages from numerous Councils; some Councils are quicker than others in determining planning applications.
A lot of our work cover is based in the Central Belt of Scotland but we do cover projects across Scotland, England, and Wales.
Application Timeframes
Planning application timeframes will vary from council to council, even with their target dates in place. Outlined below are the statutory times for a number of planning applications, set out by The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, followed by a realistic timeframe. These realistic timeframes do not include potential delays caused by consultees requiring additional information, Planning Officer annual leave, or holiday periods.
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*Note - These realistic timeframes are an average for Local Development applications within Scotland only. Some councils are quicker and will meet their target dates, others are not as efficient.
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**Note - The statutory timeframes set out by the planning authorities start once an application is validated and not when it is submitted. On average, validation takes 1 week.
ADV
Advertisement Consent
Statutory Time:
8 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
9 Weeks
CoL
Certificate of Lawfulness
Statutory Time:
21 Days
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Realistic Time:
5 Weeks
CoU
Change of Use
Statutory Time:
8 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
10 Weeks
Conditions
Condition Compliance
Statutory Time:
8 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
8 Weeks
Section 42
Condition Variation
Statutory Time:
8 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
10 Weeks
CAC
Conservation Area Consent
Statutory Time:
8 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
12 Weeks
FULL
Full Planning Permission
Statutory Time:
8 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
13 Weeks
LBC
Listed Building Consent
Statutory Time:
8 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
10 Weeks
NMV
Non-Material Variation
Statutory Time:
4 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
6 Weeks
PiP
Permission in Principle
Statutory Time:
8 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
11 Weeks
Pre-App
Pre-Application Enquiry
Statutory Time:
4 Weeks
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Realistic Time:
9 Weeks
PNO
Prior Notification
Statutory Time:
28 Days
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Realistic Time:
28 Days