What is ePlanning?

If you're looking to build, extend your home, cut down a large tree, or even put up a new boundary fence, you may need to get permission from your Planning Authority first.

ePlanning is a free to use online service that is managed by the Scottish Government in partnership with all Scottish local authorities. This portal allows you to complete and submit planning applications, notice of reviews, appeals, and other permissions under plannning law, all online from the comfort of your own home or office.

You are also able to upload documentation you have to support your application, buy and mark up a location plan, and you also have the option to make an online payment for your application on the council's payment engine.

How do I get started?

Firstly, you will need to create an account to use the ePlanning portal. Once you have created your account and logged in, you can begin preparing your proposal. Just follow the simple process which involves:

• Choosing the proposed site location
• Giving the proposal a name.
• Selecting which application, review or appeal forms you want to submit (e.g. building warrant, completion certificate, etc.); and  
• Sharing your proposal and application with anyone else who requires access (e.g. colleagues in your organisation, etc.).

Once you've done this, the next step is to start filling out your application form online.

The site has help text available by clicking on the help icons located throughout the site to assist you.

Our Support tab in the top right hand corner of the site has user guides that can guide you through steps in the process. 

Why should I use ePlanning?

Sending in your applications electronically is the most effective method for submitting them. Why?

• Applications can be processed faster if they're digital meaning that decisions can also be made faster.
• You can easily download a copy of their application and receive a confirmation email when its been submitted.
• You can pay your authority directly for your application.
• Professional users can register an organisation for their company, which allows all users within the organisation to access, view and edit each users proposal within the organisation.
• You can easily upload documents online with your application.
• Users can share access with each other so that each can contribute to filling in an application.
• Agents can allow clients to view the application and if they want, send it in and pay for the completed application.

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How can I find out what I need to include in my application?

Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS) provide guidance on the national standards for validation for planning applications,including guidance on what is required for a planning application to be valid. The guidance is available here.

Can I still make an application using paper forms if I want to?

If you'd prefer to use the paper forms, you can access them .

However, please note that under the current circumstances, many authorities are working remotely and are steering applicants to submitting their applications online. If you still wish to submit a paper application to your authority through the post, there will likely be a delay in your local authority processing it compared to submitting it electronically.

Some authorities may charge an additional administration fee to process paper applications. For more information please get in touch with your local authority.

How can I find out more about the Scottish Planning System?

More information is available in our Planning Customer Journey. This has been produced by the eDevelopment Operations team, in conjunction with the Scottish Goivernment's Planning and Architecture Division to provide a short overview of the process for anyone looking to develop of make home improvements.

For more detailed information, we'd recommend the Scottish Government's Planning pages on mygov.scot.