Earlier this month, the Scottish Government published its annual planning statistics for 2024/25, providing a detailed picture of how the planning system is functioning across the country. From decision times to approval rates, the statistics reveal both progress and persistent challenges.
A System Under Pressure
The data shows that local development applications continue to dominate the system, with 17,644 decisions made in 2024/25. However, only 62.9% of these applications were determined within the statutory two-month target, down from 63.7% the previous year. Average decision times for local applications without processing agreements (where the developer and local authority agree on timescales for decisions) have edged up to 11.8 weeks, highlighting that local authorities are still struggling to meet performance benchmarks.
Local housing applications, which are critical to addressing the National Housing Emergency, continue to face significant delays. The number of applications fell to 2,505 – continuing a downward trend. Decision times for these applications remain lengthy with an average of 19.4 weeks, and only 39.9% determined within two months, highlighting ongoing delays.
Major Developments
Major applications are, by nature, more complex and the statutory determination period is four months. In 2024/25, 169 major applications were decided, up from 120 the previous year, with the average determination period being 37.4 weeks, which is slightly longer than last year, and more than 13 weeks over the statutory determination period.
Major housing developments also saw a notable increase in volume, with 58 applications determined compared to just 18 the previous year. Encouragingly, the average decision time fell from 59.8 weeks to 44.4 weeks, suggesting some improvement in the handling these types of schemes, perhaps influenced by the declaration of the housing emergency but still 20 weeks over the statutory period.
Approvals & Appeals
Despite ongoing pressures, approval rates remain consistently high. In 2024/25, 92.2% of applications were approved, a figure that has hovered between 92% and 94% for the last five years. The proportion of planning decisions made by appointed officers also remained stable, at 96.6%.
Local Review Bodies dealt with 629 cases, upholding original officer decisions in 60% of cases. There were 343 appeals to the Scottish Ministers, with 63.8% resulting in the original decision being upheld.
Why are Timescales Still Slipping?
The report notes that planning performance cannot be judged solely on decision times. Applications are often complex, requiring specialist input and negotiation to make proposals acceptable rather than refusing them outright. This approach can extend timescales but ultimately delivers better outcomes.
What does this mean for the future?
The data paints a picture of a system still under strain. While approval rates remain high at planning authority level, delays particularly for housing continue to challenge delivery of national priorities and targets. Investment in planning resources, wider use of processing agreements, and early engagement between developers and authorities will be essential to turning these trends around.
The statistics provide a valuable benchmark, but the real test will be whether the Government’s new reforms, including the National Planning Improvement Framework and the Planning Improvement Champion, can deliver the efficient, responsive and high-quality planning service that both communities and developers need.
Contributor
Solicitor
