Comment on planning applications
Highland Council Public Access lets you easily view and comment on planning applications and related decisions.
When you can comment
You have 21 days to comment. The 21 day period begins from the latest date below:
- the date the application was registered
- the date on your neighbour notification
- the date the application was advertised
How to make a comment
To comment on an application, save searches or track applications, you need to create an account.
Our quick guide to using Public Access provides instructions and important information on how to sign up and use the online planning tool.
- Sign in to your account using your email address and password
- Use the Simple or Advanced Search function to find the application
- Go to the Comments tab and select Make a comment
- Your personal details will prepopulate
- Enter your comment and Submit
The comment page times out after 10 minutes. Draft longer comments first, then copy and paste them into our online form.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. You can find out how we use your information and what your rights are by reading our privacy notice.
We also explain what types of information we make publicly available on our Information we publish and Redaction Policy pages.
Search and comment on planning applications
Other ways to comment
If your comment exceeds the 5,000-character limit or includes attachments, you can email or post it to us via the contact details on this page.
Neighbour notification
Our neighbour notification for planning applications pages provide more detail on who we notify and why.
What you can comment on
Only comments that raise material planning considerations will be taken into account. These include:
- siting, design and materials
- parking provision and access
- residential amenity (for example; noise, overshadowing)
- drainage and infrastructure
- impact on trees or proposed landscaping
For more guidance on comments we can consider, visit Planning Aid Scotland.
What you cannot comment on
We cannot consider:
- private legal disputes between neighbours (for example, land or boundary disputes, damage to property or private rights of access)
- land ownership
- loss of a view
- loss of property value
- matters covered by other regulations (for example, building standards)
When you cannot make a public comment
You cannot submit public comments on:
- Screening and Scoping Opinions
- Proposal of Application Notices
You will have an opportunity to comment when a planning application is submitted.
Applications decided by Scottish Ministers
Certain energy infrastructure applications (made under Section 36 and Section 37) are decided by the Scottish Government, not the Highland Council.
We cannot process comments on these applications. You must send your representation directly to the Scottish Government.
- Onshore generating stations and overhead lines - Submit online through the Energy Consents Unit portal (no account needed) https://www.energyconsents.scot/RepresentationSearch.aspx
- Offshore renewable energy production applications - Email your representation to: MD.MarineRenewables@gov.scot
Applications in the Cairngorms National Park area
You can comment until the neighbour notification period ends. After that, send comments to planning@cairngorms.co.uk