Planning

Planning Online 

You can use our Public Access online search facility to 

• Find out more about a Planning Application
• Comment on an application
• Track the progress of an application
• Check the final decision. 

In the search box enter a keyword, reference number, postcode or single line of an address, click search, then choose  the appropriate application.

Apply Online

You can also submit an application apply online. Online help and guidance is available to complete the forms. You can also download application forms from this site to submit a paper application to the Moray Council

(please note, you may need a pdf reader to view documents.  You can download a free reader by clicking here.)

In addition to information on planning applications, details of representations and consultation responses on valid applications received on or after 1st April 2011 will also be available to view, with redaction applied to personal or sensitive information within documents (see policy)

The activities of Development Control can be split into three main areas Development Control, Enforcement and Preliminary Advice. There descriptions are as follows:

• Development Control
• Pre-Application Consultation Guidance and Forms (Major Applications)
• Enforcement

 Find out more about these services:

• Preliminary Advice
• Developer Contributions
• Planning Appeals
• Contact Details

Development Control

Development Control are responsible for processing applications for planning permission and appeals following refusal of planning permission.

This involves considering proposals, visiting sites, consulting other agencies, policy, government guidance and the Planning Acts, preparing reports and recommendations often under delegated power, preparing evidence for appeals and giving evidence at inquiries.

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Pre-Application Consultation Guidance and Forms (Major Applications)

• Proposal of Application Notice and Pre-Application Consultation Guidance Note
• Pre-Application Consultation Notice Form 
• Pre - Application Consultation (PAC) Screening Guidance Note
• Pre-Application Consultation Screening Notice Form 
• Design and Access Statement 
• Processing Agreement 
• Processing Guidance
• Request for Pre-Application Meeting

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Enforcement

Ensuring compliance with Planning Acts mainly in respect of unauthorised building work and changes of use of building and land.

This is achieved by responding to and investigating alleged breaches and carrying out "spot checks".

The procedure can involve the service of various types of enforcement notice and may culminate in referral to the courts, indirect or direct action with recovery of costs.

The activity involves investigation, assembling corroborated evidence, negotiation, consultation and liaising with other authorities and agencies, reporting to committee, visiting sites, conducting meetings, the service of notices, giving evidence in court and contributing to policy.

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Preliminary Advice

Providing statutory and non statutory advice to customers about all matters relating to Planning Applications, Appeals, Enforcement and all Council and Government processes and procedures associated with these matters. For example:-

How to  submit an application, the  need to submit an application, the  likely success of an application, property histories, estimated timescales and requirements to be met in respect of specific applications. 

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Developer Contributions

The Moray Council operates a system of Developer Contributions, also referred to as 'Planning Gain', in relation to infrastructure requirements resulting from a proposed development.  Developers are encouraged to contact the Planning Gain Unit prior to submitting a planning application or a Proposal of Application Notice, in order to ascertain the likely level of contributions required.  The guide (link below) provides general guidance on the requirement for developer contributions and contact details for the Planning Gain Unit.

Developer Contribution Guidance

Planning Appeals

Where an application has been refused consent or consent is granted subject to conditions by Committee, an applicant may have the right of appeal to the Scottish Ministers. A reporter from the Scottish Government Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) will deal with the appeal either via written submissions, a public hearing or a public Inquiry.  Where the Planning Authority has objected to an application under Section 36 of the 1989 Electricity Act to build a wind farm, this will trigger a public Inquiry. The Scottish Ministers may uphold or dismiss the appeal, or reverse or vary any part of the decision of the planning authority. This may include amending a condition previously attached to the grant of consent.

Where an application that is of a local nature, i.e. determined via delegated powers by a development management case officer, the applicant will have the right to appeal via the Council’s Local Review Body (LRB).  

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Contact Details

If you need more information please Tel:  01343 563501