Check planning policies and guidance

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Make a planning application: step by step

We welcome planning applications that follow our planning policy. Your planning application stands a better chance of being granted permission if it’s designed with both local and national policies in mind.

The Local Development Plan 2

The Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2) is a collection of policies that sets out the vision for Dumfries and Galloway's development. It sets out how areas will change and describes where development will take place and where it will not.

We assess planning applications against LDP2.

Go to the Local Development Plan

Local planning guidance

We have produced local supplementary guidance and technical papers. They provide background information and evidence to support planning policies:

National planning policy

In February 2023, the Scottish Government adopted the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) that sets out the national planning policies for Scotland – National Planning Framework 4 on the Scottish Government website.

Part of
Make a planning application: step by step

Check if you need planning permission
Before you submit a planning application, always start by checking whether you need planning permission for your work.
Check if the work is covered by permitted development
Before you submit a planning application, please check to see if the work is covered under permitted development rights.
Check planning policies and guidance
Planning policies and guidance may affect your planning application, so you are advised to check them before you apply.
Check planning constraints
There are certain constraints you need to check that may affect your application, including conservation areas, listed buildings, flood zones, archaeological and historical sites and Tree Preservation Orders.
Get pre-application planning advice
Before you make a planning application, you may want to request pre-application advice from the planning department.
Developer contributions
As a developer applying for planning permission, you may be required to make a developer contribution towards paying for new services and infrastructure.
Submit a planning application
How to submit a planning application, including required evidence and documents.
How and when planning decisions are made
What happens after you submit your planning application, including how and when we make decisions and how long it may take to process your application.
Planning appeals and reviews
Planning appeals and reviews and how to request that your application is reviewed or appealed.
Change an existing planning application
If you want to make a minor change to the proposals that were originally approved, you can submit a non-material variation request.
Apply for approval (discharge) of planning conditions
Planning conditions are often applied when planning permission is approved. You can apply to have these conditions discharged (approved) so that your development can begin.
Planning enforcement and breaches
How we enforce breaches of planning and how to report a planning breach.

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The Local Development Plan 2

Local planning guidance

National planning policy

Check if you need planning permission

Check if the work is covered by permitted development