Planning appeals and reviews

Planning appeals and reviews and how to request that your application is reviewed or appealed.

You, or an agent working on your behalf, have the right to challenge the decision on your planning application, in certain circumstances.

Criteria for planning appeals and reviews

You can request an appeal or review if:

  • we refuse an application
  • we approve an application subject to conditions you feel are unreasonable
  • we have not made a decision within the set statutory time period

There are strict time limits for submitting an appeal or review. This is normally within 3 months of the decision date. Your decision notice will include exact details.

Objectors

There's no right of appeal or review if you objected to an application. However, you can seek a judicial review through the Court of Session if you feel we've not followed the law. This court is unable to reconsider the planning merits of the case.

Request an appeal or review

The process depends on the type of development and how it was decided. Our letters to you include details of the appeal and review process.

 

Request an appeal or review
Development type Process Submit a request
Local
(decided by a planning officer)

Local review body

Decisions are reviewed by a panel of councillors from the Planning Applications Committee.

 

Submit a notice of review on the eDevelopment Scotland portal.

Local
(decided by committee)

Scottish Ministers

 

Appeals are considered by a reporter from the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division.

Submit an appeal to the DPEA division of the Scottish Government.
Major
National

Appeal or review decisions are final but can be challenged through a judicial review.