Planning appeals and reviews

If you’re unhappy with a planning decision, or your application hasn’t been decided within the required time, you may be able to ask for an appeal or a review. This page explains when you can do this, what to check first, and how to avoid delays.

When you can ask for an appeal or a review

You can ask for an appeal or a review if:

• your planning application has been refused
• a condition has been added that you don’t agree with, or
• we have not made a decision within the statutory timescale

You will normally only be able to use one route – either an appeal or a review. The correct option for your case will be explained in your decision notice.

For more details, you can read our Planning decision‑making procedures guide.

Before you apply

Before submitting an appeal or review, we strongly recommend speaking to us first. We may be able to clarify the decision or suggest other options.

If you decide to continue, you must submit your appeal or review within three months of:

• the date of the decision, or
• the date by which the decision should have been made (if no decision was issued)

We cannot accept late submissions.

The correct route depends on our Scheme of Delegation. Your case will go either to the Local Review Body or to Scottish Ministers.

Request a review

A review applies when the decision was made under delegated powers, meaning it was decided by the Chief Planning Officer or appointed officers rather than a committee.

You can request a review through ePlanning Scotland, or by downloading the notice of review form from the paper forms section.

What is the Planning Local Review Body?

The Planning Local Review Body (PLRB) is a special council committee that can:

• decide the case on the information which they have
• request more information either through written evidence and/or a public hearing
• inspect the application site before deciding the case

For meeting dates and papers of the PLRB see the councillors and committees website.

Submitting an appeal

If your application has been decided by an area committee, the planning committee or by the full council, you can appeal to the Scottish Government.

The DPEA Division of the Scottish Government plays an important role in the Planning Appeals system in Scotland.

Use ePlanning Scotland to submit your appeal.