How many planning applications has Aberdeenshire Council received?

Aberdeenshire Council received 1,692 planning applications in the last 24 months. The approval rate is 93%.

How long does Aberdeenshire Council take to decide planning applications?

Aberdeenshire Council takes an average of 62 days to decide planning applications. The statutory target is 8 weeks (56 days) for householder and minor applications, and 13 weeks for major applications.

What is the planning approval rate for Aberdeenshire Council?

Aberdeenshire Council approves 93% of planning applications. The national average across England and Wales is approximately 87%.

How do I object to a planning application in Aberdeenshire Council?

To object to a Aberdeenshire Council planning application, you must submit your representation to Aberdeenshire Council during the public consultation period — typically 21 days from the date the application was publicised. Planning Signal shows you the consultation deadline for each application and links directly to the Aberdeenshire Council planning portal where objections can be submitted.

Aberdeenshire Council Planning Applications

Q: How do I search Aberdeenshire Council planning applications?

You can search Aberdeenshire Council planning applications by postcode on Planning Signal. Enter any postcode in the Aberdeenshire Council area to see all nearby applications, filter by type, and track decisions in real time.

Search and explore Aberdeenshire Council planning applications. Planning Signal is your free alternative to the Aberdeenshire Council planning portal — search all recent applications, track decisions, and get alerts on new developments in the area.

Region: Scotland

About Aberdeenshire Council

Aberdeenshire Council serves as the local authority for the Aberdeenshire region, one of Scotland's 32 council areas. Established in 1996, the council operates without overall control and is headquartered at Woodhill House, situated just outside its jurisdiction in the adjacent Aberdeen City council area. For those researching planning applications in Aberdeenshire, the council plays a crucial role in local governance and development management.

Governance

Chief Executive: Jim Savege, since February 2015

Last election: 5 May 2022

Political composition: Conservative (20), Liberal Democrats (14), Independent (7), SNP (18), Reform (7), Independent (4)

Council Planning Features

Planning Applications - Browse all applications submitted to Aberdeenshire Council, filterable by status, type, and size
Planning Activity Summary - Approval rates, average decision times, and application type distribution for Aberdeenshire Council
Keyword Scorecard - See how often applications in Aberdeenshire Council mention key planning constraints like heritage, flood risk, and environmental concerns
Council Boundary Map - Interactive map showing the council boundary and application locations
Full Details - View complete application details, dates and decision status

Council Insights

Property Prices

Area Information

Admin district: Aberdeenshire
Parliamentary constituency: Gordon and Buchan
LSOA: Huntly - 04

Crime Statistics

0 crimes reported in 2026-05.

Keyword Scorecard

Planning constraint analysis based on the last 24 months of applications in Aberdeenshire Council.

Ecology & Wildlife Constraints (keywords: bats, bat survey, bat roost, great crested newt, GCN...)
Trees & Landscape (keywords: tree preservation order, TPO, arboricultural, tree survey, root protection area...)
Flood & Drainage (keywords: flood zone 2, flood zone 3, flood risk assessment, FRA, surface water...)
Heritage & Conservation (keywords: listed building, grade II, grade II*, grade I, conservation area...)
Green Belt (keywords: green belt, inappropriate development, very special circumstances, openness)
Highways & Access (keywords: visibility splays, highway authority objection, access arrangement, parking provision, transport statement...)
Refusal & Risk Indicators (keywords: refusal, delegated refusal, appeal dismissed, overdevelopment, character and appearance...)
Planning Process & Appeals (keywords: appeal lodged, appeal allowed, appeal dismissed, public inquiry, inspector)

Planning Activity Summary

Approval rates, average decision times, and application type distribution for Aberdeenshire Council based on the last 24 months of planning data.

Towns and villages in Aberdeenshire Council

452 towns and villages. Click any town to search for planning applications nearby.

Flood Risk

No active flood warnings in the Aberdeenshire Council area.

A brief summary of Aberdeenshire Council

There were no crimes reported in the Aberdeenshire Council area during the most recent reporting period.

The council area encompasses 452 towns and villages, including Aberchirder, Ballater, Banchory, Banff, Ellon and Fraserburgh. Planning applications across these communities can be searched using the postcode search above.

Search Aberdeenshire Council Planning Applications

Planning Signal provides a free, fast planning search for Aberdeenshire Council. Use the postcode search above to find planning applications near any address in the Aberdeenshire Council area. Unlike the official Aberdeenshire Council planning portal, Planning Signal lets you save searches, watch individual applications, and receive email alerts when decisions are made or new applications are submitted nearby.

Whether you're a resident checking Aberdeenshire Council planning applications near your home, a homeowner tracking your own application, or a property professional monitoring the local market, Planning Signal gives you the tools to stay informed about planning and development across Aberdeenshire Council.

Planning Activity

In the last 24 months, 1,692 planning applications Aberdeenshire Council received. Of these, 93% were approved, with an average decision time of 62 days.

This is notably above the national average of approximately 87%, suggesting a relatively permissive planning environment. Applicants in Aberdeenshire Council may find that well-prepared applications have a strong chance of success.

At 62 days on average, decisions in Aberdeenshire Council slightly exceed the 8-week statutory target for minor applications, though this is common across many councils.

The most common application types in Aberdeenshire Council were full planning applications (910), outline applications (288), listed building and heritage (105). Full planning applications account for 54% of all submissions, covering new builds, change of use, and works that go beyond permitted development rights.

In terms of development scale, 56 large-scale (major) developments, 951 medium-scale applications, 489 smaller schemes were submitted. The high volume of major applications indicates significant development pressure in the area, which may interest property developers and investors.

Application Outcomes

Approved: 698 applications
Refused: 36 applications
Withdrawn: 20 applications
Awaiting decision: 938 applications

Related Planning Guides

What Is Planning Permission in the UK? — Planning permission is the formal approval you need from your local council before making certain changes to a building or piece of land.
What Is Permitted Development? — Permitted development rights allow certain building works and changes of use without the need to apply for planning permission.
How Long Does Planning Permission Take? — Typical timelines for planning permission decisions in the UK, from submission to approval, and what can cause delays.