Planning Statements

Expert Planning Statements in Scotland

Benefits of Using a Planning Consultant to prepare a Planning Statement

Demonstrates Compliance with Policies:
A well-prepared planning statement demonstrates how your proposed development complies with local development plans and national planning framework 4 policies. It shows that you have considered all relevant guidelines and regulations, making it easier for planning authorities to understand and approve your application.

Highlights Key Merits of the Proposal:
A planning statement highlights the key merits and benefits of your proposal. It outlines how your development will positively impact the local community, environment, and economy, providing a strong justification for approval.

Addresses Potential Concerns:
Planning statements proactively address potential concerns that may arise during the planning process. By identifying and mitigating issues early on, you can prevent delays and objections, smoothing the path to approval.

Enhances Communication with Planning Authorities:
A clear and comprehensive planning statement enhances communication with planning authorities. It provides them with all the information they need to make an informed decision, reducing the likelihood of requests for additional information or clarifications.

Increases Likelihood of Approval:
With a detailed planning statement, your application is more likely to be approved. It shows that you have thoroughly researched and planned your development, addressing all relevant factors and complying with planning policies and relevant material considerations.

Saves Time and Resources:
A well-crafted planning statement can save you time and resources by reducing the need for revisions and resubmissions. It streamlines the planning process, helping you move forward with your project more quickly.

Supports Planning Appeals:
If your application is initially refused, a robust planning statement can be invaluable during the appeals process. It provides a solid foundation for your appeal, demonstrating the strengths and merits of your proposal.

Builds Confidence with Stakeholders:
A comprehensive planning statement builds confidence with stakeholders, including investors, community members, and local authorities. It shows that you have a clear vision for your project and have taken the necessary steps to ensure its success.

How We Work

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We start with a consultation to understand your project requirements and objectives.

Step 2: Site Assessment

We conduct a comprehensive site assessment to gather all necessary information.

Step 3: Planning Statement Preparation:

We prepare a detailed planning statement that addresses all relevant planning policies and guidelines within National Planning Framework 4 and the Local Authorities Development Plan

Step 4: Submission & Follow-Up

We assist with the submission of your planning statement/ application and follow up with the planning authorities as needed.

Planning Statements in Scotland – Frequently Asked Questions

A planning statement is a written document submitted alongside a planning application. It outlines the justification for the proposed development, demonstrating compliance with relevant planning policies such as the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and the Local Development Plan (LDP). It is a critical tool for explaining how your proposal aligns with planning objectives and material considerations.

While not always mandatory, planning statements are strongly recommended for:

  • Major or complex applications
  • Sites with sensitive planning constraints (e.g. green belt, heritage settings)
  • Proposals likely to attract objections
  • Applications that may proceed to planning appeal

Some planning authorities may also require one for minor developments where policy compliance needs to be demonstrated clearly.

A robust planning statement typically covers:

  • Description of the development
  • Planning history of the site (if applicable)
  • Analysis of relevant NPF4 and LDP policies
  • Planning justification and material considerations
  • Responses to likely concerns or constraints
  • A summary of benefits to the local area, environment, or economy

Using a consultant ensures your planning statement is:

  • Professionally written and policy-aligned
  • Focused on addressing key planning issues and concerns
  • Structured to clearly justify your development
  • Able to strengthen your planning application or appeal

Our team ensures the document is persuasive, strategic, and tailored to the local planning context.

Yes. A detailed and well-reasoned planning statement can significantly increase your likelihood of approval by demonstrating that your proposal is compliant, well-considered, and beneficial to the local area. It also reduces the need for further information requests, streamlining the process.

Most local planning authorities do not require a fixed format, but they expect clarity, conciseness, and alignment with current Scottish planning policy. We ensure your statement meets all local expectations while delivering a compelling case.

Yes, a well-prepared planning statement can form the core foundation of a planning appeal. It will already contain a clear justification for the proposal, demonstrating policy compliance and material benefits — all of which can be adapted into your grounds of appeal or appeal statement.

However, it’s important to understand which appeal route applies to your case:

  • The Local Review Body (LRB) handles appeals for delegated decisions (typically for smaller applications).
  • The Scottish Government's Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) considers appeals for major applications or those refused under committee.

Each route has different procedures and requirements, and your appeal strategy — including how best to use the planning statement — will depend on the appropriate forum. We can advise on this and help tailor your submission accordingly.

Absolutely. We offer planning statement-only services where we focus solely on preparing a high-quality supporting statement for your application or appeal — ideal for clients managing their own submissions or seeking professional input mid-way.

We provide planning statement services for all Scottish local authority areas, including rural, island, and urban developments. Our consultants are well-versed in NPF4 and regional/local planning frameworks. While we operate Scotland-wide, we have particular experience and an established working relationship with planning officers in the following local authorities:

  • Perth and Kinross Council
  • Stirling Council
  • Angus Council
  • Highland Council

This regional expertise enables us to deliver well-targeted planning statements that reflect local policy priorities and decision-making culture.

Our fees vary based on:

  • The scale and complexity of the proposal
  • The number of policies to assess
  • Whether the site has sensitive planning constraints

We offer fixed-fee options for standard projects and tailored pricing for larger or strategic developments. Contact us for a quote.

Ready to deploy the benefits of a planning statement in your project?

Contact Interurban Developments Ltd today to schedule a consultation.

Schedule Your Consultation
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