Development Management is the process through which decisions are made on applications for planning permission.

The process is governed by law and operates within a framework of guidance from Scottish Government, together with policies and advice set out in the Structure Plan and Adopted Local Plans (work has started on a new Local Development Plan which will supersede these plans in due course).

The primary objectives of the Development Management Service are to:

• Ensure that any development, which involves change to our physical surroundings, is appropriate for its function and location.
• Give information and advice on planning.
• Consider planning applications for development and monitor progress.
• Determine planning applications either under delegated powers or by making a recommendation to the appropriate Area Committee.
• Where planning permission is refused defend the decision at any subsequent appeal or public inquiry.
• Investigate breaches of planning control and, if appropriate, take enforcement action.

There are 5 Local Area Planning Offices (based in Stranraer, Newton Stewart, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Lockerbie) that deal with all the Development Control functions of the Council as planning authority.

Each office is responsible for carrying out pre-application discussions, processing applications for planning permission, Listed Building Consent, advertisement consent, etc, in their respective areas. This involves checking that the application contains all the necessary information, visiting the site, carrying out statutory consultations, advising and negotiating with the applicant or agent if necessary, and finally determining the application either under delegated powers or by making a recommendation to the appropriate Area Committee.

These offices are also responsible for preparing statements and evidence for planning appeals and public inquiries, investigating breaches of planning control and, if appropriate, taking enforcement action.

• Planning Application Forms and Guidance
  There are various forms needed to make a planning application. In general there is an application form, a certificate to indicate the ownership situation and guidance notes to assist you to complete the application. There may be other forms depending on the particular situation.
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• Planning Enforcement
  As an integral part of the Planning system, Planning Enforcement plays an important role in monitoring development and investigating potential breaches of planning control.
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• Weekly Planning Lists
  The weekly lists are produced on Monday, they give details of planning applications received in the previous week.
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• Planning Appeals
  If your planning application has been refused or not determined within the specified statutory time period, or you consider that conditions attached to your planning permission are unreasonable, you can submit an appeal to the Scottish Ministers or seek a review by the Council's Local Review Body, depending on the type of application.
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• Planning Applications
  Planning Applications made under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Acts can be made in various ways and for various purposes.
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• Planning Comments
  Any individual, group or organisation can make comments of objection or support for a planning application in the form of a written letter or email.
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