Frequently Asked Questions on Planning Permission

A. If your Planning Permission has been refused and you disagree with this or any of the conditions on you approved planning permission, there is right of appeal to the First Minister - provided this is done within 6 months of the decision. If you appeal, the decision will be re-examined by an independent Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporter. The information on which the decision will be made can be supplied to the Reporter by "written submissions". This is generally the quickest and cheapest way of appealing. However, there is also the option for you to request the First Minister to hold a Public Inquiry. The decision of the First Minister is final subject only to challenge in the Court of Session on any point of law.

Q. Can I start work before permission is granted?

A. No works should start on a development project without all the necessary consents (including planning permission) being in place. To do so without planning permission may result in enforcement action being taken against you. You should also ensure that any neccessary building warrants, SEPA discharge consents, approvals or Hydro board notifications are in place before any work starts on your site.

Q. How do I find out if I need planning permission?

A. The Council website has lots of information and advice about Planning.For further information and advice on planning permission please contact your local Area Planning and Building Standards Office.

Q. How quickly are decisions made?

A. The Council will try to make decisions on planning applications within 2 months. Decisions on more complicated and controversial schemes are likely to take longer.

Q. How do I comment / object on an application?

A. Any member of the public, or someone with a neighbouring or other interest, is free to comment (on planning grounds only) to the Council on an application. All comments should be made to the relevant local Area Planning and Building Standards Office. All comments that are received in time (and are in writing) are acknowledged and reported to elected members as part of the decision making process. Comments can also be made through our online Planning Comment Form

Q. What are concessionary fees?

A. In some circumstances the fee payable for your planning application is reduced - please contact your local Area Planning and Building Standards Office to find out more.

Q. What happens to the planning application once it is submitted?

A. On receipt of a planning application an acknowledgement is sent to the applicant or appointed agent. If there is anything wrong / missing with your application, we will let you or your agent know.

Q. What information do I require to submit a planning application i.e. forms and plans?

A. The Notes for Guidance at the end of the Mainstream Planning Application Form (pages 5 and 6) details all the information required when submitting an - Application. (At the foot of page 6 there is a handy document checklist to help ensure you have submitted everything.)

Q.What is the cost of applying for planning permission?

A. The planning fee depends on the specific detail of the development - please contact us to find out more

Q. Where can planning applications plans / forms be inspected?

A. Planning applications, supporting information and plans, can be inspected at the relevant local Area Planning and Building Standards Office during normal office hours and staff will be available to help you interpret plans and to provide any other general information. Plans can sometimes be available for inspection in your local post office (rural areas only).

Q. Who should I make any cheques payable to?

A. All cheques should be made payable to Argyll and Bute Council.

Q. How does the Freedom of Information Act relate to planning applications or representations on applications?

A. With a few exceptions (commercially confidential information or information on protected species) all information made in connection with a planning application is available to any person that requests it for a small photocopying charge. This includes letters of representation (comments) made on an application.

Q. How do I speak to a Planning Officer?

A. Please contact your local Area Planning and Building Standards Office