How to make a planning application
Before you apply for planning permission
Before submitting a planning application, we recommend getting pre‑application planning advice.
Pre‑application advice can help you:
- understand how planning policies may affect your proposal
- identify potential issues early
- understand what plans and supporting documents you may need
- reduce delays later in the process
Find out about pre‑application planning advice
Submit your planning application
When you're ready to apply, submit your planning application through the Scottish Government’s ePlanning Portal.
You can use the portal to apply for:
- planning permission
- listed building consent
- advertisement consent
- other planning-related approvals
Apply through the ePlanning Portal
Application fees
Most planning applications require a fee.
You can:
- view our Planning fees charter
- use the ePlanning Scotland fee calculator to check the correct fee
- pay online when submitting through the ePlanning Scotland portal
What happens next
Once we receive your application, we will:
- check that all required information has been provided
- validate your application
- assess the proposal against planning policies and other relevant considerations
- make a decision or present the application for determination where required
We may contact you if we need additional information during the assessment process.
Track your application
You can track the progress of your application and view application documents through our online planning portal.
View planning applications on ePlanning Scotland
How planning decisions are made
Planning applications are assessed against the development plan and other material planning considerations.
To find out more about the process, see: How planning decisions are made
Making changes to an approved application
If you need to make a minor change to an existing planning permission, you may be able to submit a non‑material variation.
Non‑material variations cannot be submitted through the ePlanning Portal.
Planning Services