Earlier this year, we looked at the Scottish Government’s annual planning statistics for 2024/25 and what they revealed about the performance of the planning system, particularly determination of housing applications. The Government has now published its latest figures for 2025/26 (covering April to September 2025), providing a more up‑to‑date snapshot.
Although these statistics only capture the first six months of the reporting year, the overall message is sadly familiar. The planning system remains under pressure, with a reduction in the number of applications being determined when compared to the previous year. Housing applications, in particular, continue to take a long time to be determined.
All local developments
Local developments continue to account for the vast majority of planning activity. In the first half of 2025/26, 10,256 decisions were made, representing a 6.4% decrease compared to the same period last year. Average decision times were 12 weeks in Q1 and 11.8 weeks in Q2.
While these figures suggest some consistency, they remain well above the statutory two‑month determination period. As in previous years, this highlights the ongoing challenge for planning authorities in meeting target timescales.
Processing agreements continue to play an important role for determination of local development applications. Around 73% of applications subject to agreements were determined within agreed timescales, suggesting that where parties engage early and set realistic programmes, outcomes are more predictable.
Local housing applications
The position for local housing applications remains more challenging. A total of 1,187 applications were determined in the first two quarters of 2025/26 (down 4.7% year on year). Average decision times were 18.2 weeks in Q1 and 18.9 weeks in Q2, meaning that only around 39% of applications were determined within the statutory two-month period.
This is not a new issue and despite housing remaining a key priority for the Scottish Government, housing applications continue to take longer to determine than other development types. This is consistent with what we noted in our previous blog and may reflect the additional complexities typically associated with such proposals (including infrastructure requirements, affordable housing provision and design issues).
More broadly, it highlights that, since the declaration of the national housing emergency 15 May 2024, strong political statements of intent at a national level to improve housing outcomes are not necessarily translating into delivery of more homes, or faster local decision-making for housing applications.
All major developments
For major developments, the picture is consistent with longer‑term trends. 138 decisions were issued, an 11% decrease compared to the previous year, with an average decision time of 30.5 weeks.
While the relatively small number of cases means these figures should be treated with some caution, they continue to demonstrate that major applications are routinely determined well beyond the four‑month statutory timeframe.
Major housing applications
The position for major housing is slightly more nuanced. Only 24 major housing applications were determined during the period, with decision times ranging from 44.9 weeks in Q1 to 34.4 weeks in Q2. None of these applications were subject to processing agreements.
Although there is some indication of improvement in Q2 timescales, the overall picture remains one of lengthy and variable determination periods. Given the importance of major housing delivery in addressing Scotland’s housing emergency, this remains a significant concern.
What is driving performance?
Timescales alone do not tell the full story. The latest statistics reflect a combination of factors affecting system performance: increasing complexity of applications (particularly under NPF4), stronger emphasis on policy compliance, and ongoing resource pressures within planning authorities.
Taken together, these factors contribute to a system in which applications are often refined through iterative engagement, rather than refused at an early stage. While this can lead to better outcomes, it inevitably results in longer determination periods. Quicker isn’t always better.
This sits against a wider backdrop of declining housing delivery. The number of new build starts and completions has continued to fall, with the latest statistics published on 31 March 2026 revealing that the number of social housing starts are now at the lowest level since 1997 and private sector starts are at the lowest since 2013 (excluding the COVID period).
In response, a range of measures have been introduced over the past year aimed at supporting housing delivery and encouraging faster, ‘emergency-led’ decision-making for planning applications. These include the Cabinet Secretary’s letter to planning authorities emphasising the need for an emergency-led approach and proportionality for SME housebuilders, alongside the “surge capacity” available in the National Planning Hub to support and speed up decision-making.
We have also seen the introduction of a notification direction for all applications for housing developments of more than 10 units, with the Cabinet Secretary indicating that the handling of notified applications is being continually monitored in order that the Government cab identify which planning authorities might benefit from Hub assistance.
However, the impact of these measures is not captured in the latest statistics. We will have to wait until the September 2026 – April 2026 statistics to see if they have had any meaningful impact on decision-making times for housing applications.
Looking ahead
The statistics do not point to any significant shift in performance since our last blog. Instead, they point to a system that is broadly consistent but slow, and still under pressure.
The concern is that this comes despite ongoing efforts by the Government to improve efficiency and outcomes, particularly for housing.
However, with the emergency measures not reflected in the reported data, and it remains to be seen whether they will translate into faster decision making for housing applications.
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