Proposal of Application Notice and Environmental Assessments
Proposal of Application Notice
A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) is submitted by the developer to us. It is not a planning application but a notice informing us of how the developer intends to engage with the community about their proposal. This process allows the community to provide direct feedback to the developer.
All major and national developments are required to submit a Proposal of Application Notice at least 12 weeks before submitting a planning application.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion
A developer can request an EIA screening opinion from us to determine whether a proposed development requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017.
This opinion outlines whether the development qualifies as EIA development and explains the criteria used to reach that decision. Screening opinions are typically issued upon receipt of a planning application, but developers may also request one prior to submission to gain early clarity on EIA requirements. If no screening opinion has been issued, we will carry out screening when the application is received.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion
A developer intending to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report may request a scoping opinion from us. The scoping opinion provides the expected scope and level of detail required in the EIA Report. While scoping is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Omitting key information can result in delays to the planning application process.
To produce a scoping opinion, we will consult with statutory bodies and relevant internal services to ensure all necessary considerations are addressed.
More detail on screening and scoping opinions
Section 36
Applications for consent to construct, extend, or operate electricity-generating stations are administered by the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) on behalf of Scottish Ministers. We are not the consenting body for these development types and participate only as a consultee in the process.
The ECU does not process or consider representations made to us regarding these applications. All representations should be directed to the ECU at representations@gov.scot.
Section 37
Applications for the installation of certain overhead electric lines and related infrastructure are also decided by the ECU on behalf of the Scottish Government. We are not the consenting body for these development types and usually participate only as a consultee in the process.
As with Section 36 applications, the ECU does not process or consider representations to us. All comments should be sent directly to the ECU at representations@gov.scot.