Planning Service
Introduction
The Planning System is the framework which guides the use and development of land in the public interest. The planning system affects our whole environment, is responsible for the physical structure and design of where we live and work and shapes our communities.
A Guide to the Planning System in Scotland (PDF, 1.7M) provides an overview of how the Scottish Planning System works.
The following pages provide information and guidance on different aspects of the Planning System as it applies to the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar area.
Outer Hebrides Design Awards
The Comhairle want to celebrate high levels of achievement in quality design in the Outer Hebrides. For more information and how to apply visit the
Outer Hebrides Design Guide webpage.
Planning Modernisation page.
Planning Service Charter (PDF, 80K): This Charter explains what the Comhairle’s Planning Service does. The objective of the Charter is to set out the level of service which our customers are entitled to expect when coming into contact with us and indicates how you can help us to help you.
Policy On Non Material Variation(PDF, 39K): This Policy sets out the criteria against which requests for non-material variations to planning permissions can be considered by the Comhairle.
Development Plan: The Development Plan is a statement of the Comhairle’s views with regard to development and land use within the Western Isles area and is formulated after consultation with official bodies and the general public. It provides the policy framework within which planning applications submitted to the Comhairle are assessed. The documents which comprise the Development Plan can be found in this page.
Supplementary Guidance: The Development Plan is supplemented by a variety of policies and strategies which provide detailed guidance on a range of planning matters.
Development Management (Planning Applications): Central to the planning system is the requirement to obtain Planning Permission for development of land, unless consent is deemed to be granted by a planning regulation or order. Development is defined as “the carrying out of building, engineering mining or other operations in, on, over or under land or the making of any material change in the use of buildings or other land or the operation of a marine fish farm …”. Details on how to apply for planning permission, planning application forms and how to view planning applications on-line can be found here.
ePlanning Scotland : The ePlanning Scotland website provides the ability to submit planning applications and appeals to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on-line.
Online Planning Information: The planning portal allows you to view and if you wish submit comment on Planning Applications on-line. The launch of the portal is the first phase of a two year national e-planning project which aims to Provide a better planning service to citizens and business and increase access to and involvement in the planning process.
Pre-application Consultation (PAC) for Major and National Developments: Regulations coming in on 6 April 2009 cover a new Hierarchy of Planning Applications; Pre-application Screening Notices and Proposal of Application Notices. Consultation with local communities is the key focus of these changes. All national and major developments must satisfactorily complete the pre-application consultation process prior to submitting a planning application.
Projects & Initiatives: The Planning Service is engaged in progression and support of a number of development and land use related projects and Initiatives, details of which can be found here.
Related Services: The Comhairle is the statutory provider of a range of public services, many of which have a close relationship with the planning service. Links to these can be found here.
Large scale Wind Farm Development: Details of the large scale wind farm applications and how to comment on these can be found here.
Marine Fish Farm Development: Information for Developers and the public on Marine Fish Farming within the Planning System.
Planning Performance Statistics: As part of modernising planning, Legislative Changes to Development Management took effect on 3 August 2009. Planning authority performance data returns were revised to align these returns with the new planning system. Updated statistics on planning performance for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Scotland are also availabe via the link given above.
Useful Links:Planning Information and guidance is available from a number of bodies including the Scottish Government. This page provides some useful links.
Area Responsibility (PDF, 60K): This document gives the latest contact information on Building Standards and Planning Service responsibility, by area.
