Examining development plans
Development plan examinations
Planning authorities must create local development plans for their area and provide an opportunity for the public to make representations about the plan.
If there are any unresolved representations, the authority must submit the plan to the Scottish Ministers for Examination. Ministers appoint our reporters to carry this out, after which they will submit a report to the planning authority with their recommendations on changes to the plan.
Any changes to the plan recommended by the reporter are binding, except in circumstances laid out in paragraph 263 of Local Development Planning Guidance.
We have published guidance for people who have raised representations on a development plan, which explains the process in detail.
We have provided a list of current and completed development plan examinations.