The decision process
What types of decision are there?
1. Officer decisions
Applications relating to householder and many other minor developments are delegated to the Head of Planning who may grant or refuse planning permission and related consents, irrespective of objections, where the proposal satisfies the policies contained within the Development Plan.
Where the application is a re-submission of an application which has been determined by the Development Control Committee within twelve months prior to the date of the re-submission it may, notwithstanding the above exceptions, be determined by the Head of Planning.
2. Committee decisions
Applications which are not delegated to the Head of Planning go to the Development Control Committee for a decision. The Committee meets every four weeks.
What are the procedures at Committee?
All meetings are open to the press and public. Normally, the Head of Planning presents the recommendation. At the discretion of the Convenor a representative of any objector and the applicant are allowed to speak. Then the Councillors debate and decide on the application. Where the Committee agrees to depart from established policy or wish to refuse permission contrary to officers' recommendation, the Councillors' reasons for doing so are recorded in the Committee minutes.
When does the Commitee meet?
Reports on planning applications are generally submitted to the Development Control Commitee which meets at 9:30 am in the Council Chambers, 2 High Street, Perth on the following dates:
| 23 January 2008 |
|
27 February 2008 |
| 2 April 2008 |
|
7 May 2008 |
| 28 May 2008 |
|
2 July 2008 |
| 30 July 2008 |
|
27 August 2008 |
| 24 September 2008 |
|
22 October 2008 |
| 19 November 2008 |
|
10 December 2008 |
What happens if want make a late amendment to my planning application?
The Development Control Committee will not consider late amendments submitted after the Committee agenda has been published.
When will applications be deferred?
The Development Control Committee will normally only defer the determination of an application where there is an administrative or legal reason for so doing. If an application is unsatisfactory by way of principle, detail or lack of information then the most appropriate course of action would be to refuse it.
How can I withdraw my planning application?
If you or your agent wants to withdraw your application, before it is determined by either the Head of Planning or the Development Control Committee, you must make the request in writing.
What happens after the decision?
If your application is refused, that is not necessarily the end of the matter as you can appeal to the Scottish Ministers. They may, if permission is refused unreasonably and cannot be supported by development plan policies, not only grant permission but also award costs to you. (The Council can revoke or modify permission in certain cases, but they may be called upon to pay compensation for this).
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Can objectors appeal against the decision?
Objectors to an application which is permitted, however, have no right of appeal. If permission is granted, development can begin.
When can I make a re-application?
If after either refusal or approval, with or without conditions, a re-application may be made. If you submit the same or similar application within 12 months of the date of the earlier decision, you would not normally have to pay a fee.