Comment on a planning application

Find out how to comment on planning applications.

Before you start

You need to register to make a comment.

Any comments should be submitted early in the processing of the application and preferably within 21 days from the application's registration date.

Comment online (opens new window) 

What you can comment on

  • Scottish Government policy
  • Local authority guidance
  • The views of statutory and other consultees
  • Design and layout of the development
  • Height and scale of the buildings
  • Overshadowing
  • Overlooking
  • Nuisance caused by noise, smell, fumes, glare from floodlights
  • Traffic impact
  • Flooding impact
  • Impact on conservation areas, listed buildings and archaeology
  • Impact on wildlife and protected species
  • Loss of open space or recreational land
  • Sewerage, drainage and water
  • Impact on the amenities or character of the area

What you can't comment on

  • Loss of a private view over neighbouring property
  • Loss of property value
  • Breaches of property 'feu' restriction
  • Applicant's lack of ownership of the site
  • Boundary and access disputes
  • Competition among shops and businesses
  • Moral or religious considerations such as objections to betting shops or working on Sundays
  • Political dislikes such as objections to private hospitals
  • Health effects of telecommunications equipment
  • Issues covered by other laws such as building standards

Registration

Registering also allows you to:

  • save searches
  • track applications
  • get email updates when an application status changes
  • save an area or street and get email alerts when someone makes an application

How to view other comments

Comments or objections can be viewed online, including names and addresses. 

We'll remove special category and sensitive personal information such as signatures, personal phone numbers and personal email addresses. Comments or objections can also be viewed at our planning office.

The Scottish Government may publish this information online if the application goes to appeal.

What happens next?

We look at comments when making the planning decision. We'll let anyone who makes a comment know what the decision is.

Third parties don't have the right to appeal against planning decisions.

Last modified on 12 July 2024