Planning decision correspondence

Request correspondence about a specific planning application.

Planning decisions affect communities directly. The correspondence between planners, developers, and consultees shows how a decision was reached and whether all relevant factors were considered.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], I am writing to request the following information about planning application [REFERENCE NUMBER]: 1. All correspondence between the planning department and the applicant or their agent. 2. All consultation responses received from statutory and non-statutory consultees. 3. Any internal planning department correspondence about the application. I would prefer to receive this by email. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
Back to top ↑

Who to send it to#

The local council’s planning department. You can find your council in the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

Back to top ↑

Tips#

  • Use the exact planning application reference number. You can find this on the council’s planning portal.
  • Much planning correspondence is already published on the council’s planning portal, so check there first to avoid requesting what is already available.
  • If the file is large, the council may offer access to inspect it in person rather than copying everything.