21 days to submit representations in planning applications

The Planning Committee of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) on Friday 14 September 2012 agreed to bring the time people have to submit a response to planning applications more in-line with other Planning authorities.

For representations to be included in a planning paper for consideration by the planning committee, they must be received within 21 days of the date the application was “called-in” by the CNPA.

Previously, the term had been 42 days but experience showed this resulted in a delay in determining some applications, something the Scottish Government is keen does not happen.

Deputy Planning Chairman, Peter Argyle, said: “Local Authorities will continue to notify relevant consultees and neighbours when they receive the application. The fact the CNPA will allow people 21 days from call-in rather than the date the application is validated actually still gives interested parties longer than this to make their representation.

“We wish to determine peoples’ planning applications as effectively and efficiently as possible. It’s now possible to view and comment on applications easily online, giving people plenty of time to take part but not delay the process by waiting for time to elapse when a decision could have been taken.”

Anyone wishing to speak at a planning meeting should also request to do so within 21 days of the call-in.

The change is made to paragraphs 9, 11 and 12 of the Planning Committee Standing Orders.