From 6th April 2009, planning applications in Scotland are categorised as:
- National: contained in the National Planning Framework.
- Major: more than 50 houses and retail exceeding 5,000 square meter.
- Local: all smaller developments which are neither major not national for example, developments of up to 49 houses.
Local developments are typically decided by planning officers under a delegated scheme, while major and national projects are determined by a Committee.
Since 3rd August 2009, Fife Council's Fife Planning Review Body (FPRB) reviews officer decisions on local applications. Only applicants can request a review for cases that were:
- Refused by an officer.
- Approved with conditions.
- Undetermined after two months (or longer if agreed).
The Fife Planning Review Body (FPRB) is a Council committee that meets publicly on a monthly basis, following standard procedures for agendas and notices. It consists of a pool of 10 councillors, with 5 members (including a Chair or stand-in) participating in each review. Local councillors for the ward of the application site cannot take part.
The FPRB reviews decisions made by planning officers, not those of Committees. Members typically see applications for the first time at review meetings. Senior staff provide legal, procedural, and planning advice, and decisions are usually issued within three months of receiving the review request or as soon as practicable.
Review Process
Most review decisions are made at the first meeting. For more complex cases, additional steps may include:
- Pre-examination meetings: to plan the review process (used in complex cases).
- Written submissions: parties provide additional information within 14 days.
- Hearings: discussions led by the Chair to address specific issues, with cross-examination used only in exceptional cases.
- Site inspections: visits to the site, either unaccompanied or with the applicant.
A combination of these processes may be required for particularly complex cases.
Decision
The FPRB issues a decision notice to the applicant, detailing the decision and its reasoning. The Council aims to provide this within 21 days of the meeting. All parties who submitted representations are informed of the outcome.
