Who does what
Who is the applicant?
The applicant is the person or organisation putting forward the proposal. They are also responsible for paying the appropriate fee for the application.
It is usually advisable for applicants to discuss their ideas informally at an early stage with any affected neighbours. The applicant is responsible for implementing the project in accordance with the planning permission and any conditions attached to it by the planning authority.
Applicants also decide, with the help of any advisers they may have, whether to appeal against a refusal.
What is an agent?
The agent is the person or organisation who is employed by the applicant to make the application on their behalf. It is not compulsory to employ an agent and it is the applicant's decision to use one or not
What does the local authority do?
The local authority receives the application and places it on a register, available for public inspection.
It publicises the application and begins to process it, taking due account of all comments received. Planners working for local planning authorities may have powers delegated to them to decide matters themselves. Otherwise they present a recommended decision to the Development Control Committee, which is made up of elected councillors.
The councillors make the decision. They do not always follow their officers' advice.
What role does the Scottish Government have?
Large proposals or controversial applications of national significance may occasionally be 'called in' so that the Scottish Ministers can decide them.
Scottish Ministers may also decide an appeal on an issue of particular concern to them. They will then take the decision after considering the Reporter's report.
What role do Community Councils have?
Community Councils are consulted on all planning applications in their area.
Do other organisations have a role?
Some national organisations with special expertise, such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage, have the right to be consulted about planning applications in certain circumstances.
Local planning authorities also sometimes consult local organisations, such as the Civic Trust or a branch of the RSPB, though they are not obliged to do so by law.
