Clackmannanshire Council Online

Planning Applications, Decisions and Permission

Planning Applications, Decisions and Permission

Planning permission is needed for most forms of development and the Development Quality team is responsible for the processing of such applications.

Development can encompass a whole range of proposals, from small house extensions through to large residential estates, factories, shops, warehouses and the erection of sign and advertisements.

You may wish to contact a member of the team to determine whether planning permission is required or to seek advice on any proposed development.  Officers will be able to provide written or verbal advice on relevant procedures, supporting documentation, timescales etc.

Please also note that, as we no longer accept cash or cheques, all fees must be paid electronically either via the portal, or on our website or by telephoning our contact centre.

General Guidance

Further general guidance on which forms to fill in, whether you need planning permission and how much it is likely to cost is available from the ePlanning page ePlanning.scot.

Frequently Asked Questions

To assist you in understanding the planning application process we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below.

• Making a planning application: Who needs to be notified?
• How are planning applications publicised?
• How should an objection or representation be made?
• When can objections or representations be made?
• Who makes the decision?
• When can an officer's report on an application be viewed by a member of the public?
• Can applicants or objectors speak at the Committee?

ePlanning FAQs

In addition, to assist you in applying for a planning application electronically via the ePlanning portal, the following information is provided below.

How do I apply for Planning Permission online?

If you want to apply for Planning Permission, you can do so at ePlanning.scot. Simply register with the site, identify the location or property that you wish to make a planning application for and follow the steps and guidance through the online forms.

Can I still submit a paper application?

Yes. You can still download paper application forms and submit them in hard copy, although this is actively discouraged.  However, once a paper application has been received, it will be treated as an electronic application thereafter.  This means that no paper decision notice or approved drawings will be issued and you will receive a link to our website to download the documents as per our standard practice

Visit ePlanning.scot and click on the "Download Forms" tab.

Can all types of planning applications be sent electronically via the e-Planning portal?

Yes. The council would prefer to receive all planning applications electronically irrespective of size, scale or type of development.

What happens when I apply online?

When you apply online, your application is sent electronically from the ePlanning portal directly to the Council. 

The site will guide you through a number of steps, dependent on the type of application (or appeal) that you are submitting. There is help text and a user guide available throughout the process.

How will I know my Planning Authority has received my electronic application or appeal?

On submitting your application or appeal, an instant automated confirmation is sent to your email address from the ePlanning.scot website. All further communication from the Council will be sent to that same email address.

How long will it take for my planning application to be determined using ePlanning?

ePlanning Scotland's primary aims are to make the planning system more efficient.

With ePlanning, automatic checks are carried out as users progress through the online forms. This will reduce the number of planning applications submitted to planning authorities incorrectly or without the necessary information, speeding up the processing times.

A decision with regard to your application should therefore be reached sooner, as a result of reduced delay in the processing and submission of your application.

How much does it cost to make a planning application online?

Planning fees are determined by the Scottish Government (The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2004), and can be calculated using the fee calculator at ePlanning.scot. Alternatively you can view our Planning Application Fee Scale.

How do I pay for a planning application online?

You can pay for an application online using a variety of different methods including online payments (via the Council's website)or by telephone (Tel. 01259 450000). More information is available on our Online Payments page.  You will need the Local Authority issued planning reference number if paying in this manner.

Can I attach plans/drawings and supporting documentation with my electronic application?

Yes. There is, however, a size limit of 10 MB for each individual file added to your application and a total size limit of 50 MB for all your supporting documentation. If you need to exceed either of these limits, you will need to contact us or the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) for further instructions.

What format should I send my attachments in?

We accept:

• DOC, DWG, GIF, JPG, PDF, PLT, TIF, TXT, XLS, XLW

Can I look at all planning applications made in my area?

Yes, on our website you can search for, view and comment on planning applications online. You will also be able to view associated planning application documentation.

How do I track my applications progress?

You need to register on the website before you can track your planning application. Once registered, you will be able to view your application and receive email notifications of progress such as change of status or any new documents received.