Planning Application FAQs

At Interurban Developments Ltd, we help clients across Scotland navigate the full planning application process — from first idea to final approval. Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, rural estate, or business owner, understanding how planning applications work is essential to managing expectations and avoiding costly delays.

Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about planning applications.

What is a planning application?
A planning application is a formal request to your local authority seeking permission to carry out development, such as building a new house, converting a steading, changing land use, or altering a commercial building. Applications are assessed against local and national planning policies, design standards, and technical requirements.

What types of planning applications are there in Scotland?
Common types include:

• Full planning application – for detailed development proposals
• Planning Permission in Principle (PPiP) – for the principle of development
• Matters Specified in Conditions (AMSC) – for approvals following PPiP
• Change of use – for altering the purpose of land or buildings
• Householder application – for extensions and alterations to dwellings – Please note: we do not usually provide support for standalone householder applications unless part of a larger strategic planning proposal.
• Section 42 variation – to amend or remove conditions of an existing permission

We advise on the most appropriate route based on your proposal and planning context.

What documents do I need to submit a planning application?
A standard planning application usually includes:

• Site location plan and block plan
• Proposed layout, elevations and floorplans
• Planning statement referencing policies and context
• Additional documents may include:
  • Design and Access Statement
  • Flood risk or drainage report
  • Transport statement
  • Ecology surveys

We help identify, coordinate, and submit all necessary documents to ensure validation.

How long does it take to get a planning decision?

• Householder and local developments – planning authority target timescale 8 weeks but many authorities exceed this timescale
• Major developments – planning authority target timescale 16 weeks but again many authorities exceed this timescale especially when developer contributions/legal agreements are required.

Delays may occur if consultees raise concerns, site visits are delayed, or additional information is required. We manage the process to keep your application moving forward.

Can I talk to the council before I submit a planning application?
Yes — and we encourage it. This is called a pre-application enquiry, and it can help identify key planning issues before submission. We prepare and submit pre-application enquiries as part of our planning strategy service.

What happens if my planning application is refused?
You have the right to appeal to either:

• The Local Review Body (LRB) – for delegated refusals
• The Scottish Government’s DPEA – for committee refusals or larger projects
  We assess the reasons for refusal and advise whether to appeal, amend, or resubmit we have a dedicated FAQ webpage on planning appeals.

What are planning conditions and when do they apply?
Planning authorities often grant permission subject to conditions (e.g. materials, landscaping, access details). These must be discharged or complied with before development begins. We help manage the discharge process and, where appropriate, seek variations or removals of conditions.

Can Interurban Developments Ltd manage my entire application?
Yes. We offer a complete planning application service, including:

• Feasibility review and planning strategy
• Preparation of plans and supporting documents (with architectural input and specialist consultants)
• Submission and liaison with the local planning authority
• Representation in negotiations, committees, or appeals

Please note that the views and opinions expressed within articles on this website are the personal opinion of the author and do not represent the policies, views or opinions of the company. ALL information provided is for general guidance only and any actions or decisions the reader or user may take based upon content, information or opinion(s) expressed in this website is entirely at their own risk and liability. The information contained in this website cannot be legally relied upon at a later date and it is provided on a ‘without prejudice’ basis.