Appeal a planning decision

An applicant can appeal our decision on their planning application. Appeals are typically made after a refusal, but can also be against specific conditions or if no decision is made.

How to appeal a planning decision

How you appeal your planning decision depends on how the planning decision was made.

Decisions made by a planning officer

If a planning officer made the decision on your application, any appeal will be reviewed by the Local Review Body. This committee, made up of elected local councillors selected from the Planning and Building Standards Committee, will review the decision based on all the original application information and any comments received.

To appeal, complete a request for local review and return it to:

Scottish Borders Council
Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
TD6 0SA

The request for review must be completed and submitted within 3 months of the decision.

Decisions made by the Planning and Building Standards Committee

When a decision was taken at the Planning and Building Standards Committee, any appeal must be made to the Scottish Government's Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA).

Appeals can be considered:

• from written submissions
• by a hearing
• by public inquiry

Details on how to appeal can be found on the DPEA website.

Who can make an appeal?

Appeals can be made by the applicant or their agent only. Other parties cannot appeal against any decision taken.

Further information or advice

For help or advice on appealing a planning decision, contact Development Management.