Local Planning Reviews in Scotland

Local review bodies (‘LRBs’), which came into operation in 2009, have the power to review proposals which may, or have been, determined by planning authority officers.

Both prior to and after their introduction, there have been significant criticisms about the policy and the law underpinning LRBs, and there is still something of an experimental quality to the system.

This is the first text about LRBs, and outlines areas that require close attention by all those involved in the local planning reviews system. It covers:

• the policy considerations and legislative background to their establishment;
• making an application for review, including practical advice on how to complete the statutory forms;
• the pre-meeting arrangements required of the LRB;
• the first meeting of the LRB, and the gathering of any further information;
• making and recording the decision; and
• further avenues for redress open to an applicant.

Local Planning Reviews in Scotland is a practical guide for all those involved in the local planning review system, including applicants for review and their agents; planning authorities, government officials, local government officers, solicitors, surveyors, architects, and planning consultants.