Commenting on planning applications

The first thing to read is SBC's guide for commenting on an application.

This tells you:

• What a material planning consideration is
• I.e. what planners take note of (and what they ignore)
• How to make a comment on the planning portal
• The postal address if you'd prefer to post your comment

SBC's planning portal

Use SBC's portal to find out about and comment^† on applications.

^† You'll need to register first to comment (registration guide).

SBC's guide for viewing an application with the portal.

Application reference numbers beginning with "ECU" (e.g. windfarms) are available via Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit.

Impactful comments

Planners are interested in how proposals affect you, your family and your community. They want to know your reasoning – be succinct. Ideally:

• Mention one or more planning policies you think are relevant
• Say clearly why you think these are relevant
• Explain the 'so what' – e.g. if you think an application breaches a policy, why does this matter?

Planning policies

Policies relevant to the Borders (highest to lowest poriority) are:

• Scotland's National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) contains 33 policies (part 2) in 3 groups.
• SBC's 2016 Local Development Plan (LDP) is still in force and contains 55 policies (part 4) in 5 groups.
• SBC's approved planning guidance (referred to in the LDP).

SBC explain this in full in their plans and guidance overview.

There is a proposed LDP2 – which SBC cannot adopt until it has been modified to take account of NPF4 and the strategic development plan.