The Planning System
The purpose of planning is to manage the development and use of land in the long- term public interest.
It is through the planning system that decisions are made, in the public interest, on how best to meet the needs and requirements for housing, offices and other business premises, retail and leisure opportunities, education and other social facilities and transportation.
The aim is to achieve the right development in the right place, protecting valued urban and rural areas and the environment from inappropriate forms of development or use of land. Consequently, the planning system has a significant impact on our quality of life, by shaping the environment in which we live, work, shop, learn, travel and spend our leisure time.
Development and land use change inevitably creates conflicts between competing interests.
Councils, and therefore elected members, must represent the wider public interest and help mediate such conflicts through the planning system. Partnership working, community involvement, co-ordination of activities and meaningful negotiations with developers are essential components of a successful planning system.
Whether you are a member of the planning committee, Local Review Body or full council considering applications or a local member putting forward an opinion about a particular application, it is essential that your conduct is directed by the Code of Conduct.
Online Training
We have created a self-service online training guide which aims to give elected members an understanding of our current planning system. It aims to help you understand what the planning system seeks to achieve and introduces the processes involved in decision-making.
It covers three key strands:
- Development Plans
- Development Management (including Planning Application Committees)
- Planning Enforcement
It also includes chapters on Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Reviews and Appeals.
While this guidance seeks to cover as many helpful topics as possible, inevitably it cannot cover everything. Members are encouraged to use this guidance as a reference and to look at the resources referred to within.
The guide is presented using Microsoft Sway and we hope you find the format informative and user-friendly. The Sway can only be viewed on a Council device or using your Council Microsoft 365 account. If not already signed in, you must sign into your 365 account to view the Sway.
Further information on the Planning System
Further useful sources of information can be accessed via the links below:
- The Planning System in Scotland: an introduction for Elected Members by the Improvement Service (published February 2022)
- A Guide to the Planning System in Scotland by the Scottish Government.
- Planning Aid for Scotland - provide free and impartial planning advice to individuals and community organisations to get involved in decision-making in the planning system.
- Highland Council Public Access - (search for planning applications, building warrants, appeals, enforcements and notices).
- The Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division - (search for appeals made to Scottish Ministers)
- Highland Council’s main planning permission webpage
- Highland Council’s main building standards webpage