Planning Applications Statistics 2023/2024: Annual and Quarterly (October 2023 to March 2024) Official Statistics

1. Scottish Government Policy Context

It is important that planning applications are handled and determined efficiently to support certainty and confidence in the planning system. The planning application statistics provide information on the number of planning applications determined by planning authorities (includes: types of application; the average time taken to determine applications; number of applications approved; and enforcement activity) and for Local Review Bodies and Scottish Ministers. The statutory 2 month target for deciding local applications are also reported.

The key objective of the planning applications statistics is to allow Scottish Government and planning authorities to monitor the performance of planning system with regards to the volume of applications submitted and timeliness of deciding those applications.

Planning application statistics are not the sole indicator of how the planning system or authorities are performing. Planning applications can be complex and require specialist input, therefore timescales can be affected by a number of factors and it is important to note that delays are not just the responsibility of the authority. Authorities are also encouraged to work with applicants in order to make applications acceptable in planning terms rather than just refusing them at the outset, which can sometimes extend determination timescales.

Everyone involved in planning has a role to play in the effective delivery of the planning service. In September 2023, Scotland's first National Planning Improvement Champion was appointed. The Champion plays a vital role in supporting continual improvement within the planning system. During 2024 the Champion is piloting a new approach to monitoring performance of the system with the introduction of the National Planning Improvement Framework (NPIF) which will bring a renewed focus on improvement, measuring quality, identifying the attributes of a high performing planning authority, recognising dependencies and resources.