How many planning applications has Argyll and Bute Council received?

Argyll and Bute Council received 1,236 planning applications in the last 24 months. The approval rate is 76%.

How long does Argyll and Bute Council take to decide planning applications?

Argyll and Bute Council takes an average of 59 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 Argyll and Bute Council?

Argyll and Bute Council approves 76% of planning applications. The national average across England and Wales is approximately 87%.

How do I object to a planning application in Argyll and Bute Council?

To object to a Argyll and Bute Council planning application, you must submit your representation to Argyll and Bute 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 Argyll and Bute Council planning portal where objections can be submitted.

Argyll and Bute Council Planning Applications

Q: How do I search Argyll and Bute Council planning applications?

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

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

Region: Scotland

About Argyll and Bute Council

Argyll and Bute Council, one of Scotland's 32 local authorities, oversees planning and development within the picturesque Argyll and Bute area. Known for its stunning landscapes and coastal communities, this council plays a crucial role in managing planning applications that shape the region’s growth and preservation.

Governance

Leader: Jim Lynch (Scottish National Party), since 4 April 2024

Chief Executive: Pippa Milne, since January 2020

Founded: 2007

Last election: 6 May 2022

Political composition: SNP (12), Liberal Democrats (4), Green (1), Labour (1), Independent (4), Conservative (8), Reform UK (1), Independent (5)

Council Planning Features

Planning Applications - Browse all applications submitted to Argyll and Bute Council, filterable by status, type, and size
Planning Activity Summary - Approval rates, average decision times, and application type distribution for Argyll and Bute Council
Keyword Scorecard - See how often applications in Argyll and Bute 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: Highland
Parliamentary constituency: Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
LSOA: Lochaber West - 05

Crime Statistics

0 crimes reported in 2026-04.

Keyword Scorecard

Planning constraint analysis based on the last 24 months of applications in Argyll and Bute 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 Argyll and Bute Council based on the last 24 months of planning data.

Towns and villages in Argyll and Bute Council

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

Flood Risk

No active flood warnings in the Argyll and Bute Council area.

Monitoring Stations

2 flood monitoring stations near Argyll and Bute Council.

Tobermory
Tobermory

A brief summary of Argyll and Bute Council

There were no crimes reported in the Argyll and Bute Council area during the most recent reporting period.

The council area encompasses 391 towns and villages, including Bunavullin, Campbeltown, Cove, Dunoon, Helensburgh and Inveraray. Planning applications across these communities can be searched using the postcode search above.

Search Argyll and Bute Council Planning Applications

Planning Signal provides a free, fast planning search for Argyll and Bute Council. Use the postcode search above to find planning applications near any address in the Argyll and Bute Council area. Unlike the official Argyll and Bute 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 Argyll and Bute 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 Argyll and Bute Council.

Planning Activity

In the last 24 months, 1,236 planning applications Argyll and Bute Council received. Of these, 76% were approved, with an average decision time of 59 days.

This is below the national average of approximately 87%, which may reflect stricter local policies, sensitivity of the area, or higher levels of speculative applications. Pre-application advice is particularly worthwhile in Argyll and Bute Council.

At 59 days on average, decisions in Argyll and Bute Council slightly exceed the 8-week statutory target for minor applications, though this is common across many councils.

The most common application types in Argyll and Bute Council were full planning applications (459), outline applications (172), telecoms (121). Full planning applications account for 37% of all submissions, covering new builds, change of use, and works that go beyond permitted development rights.

In terms of development scale, 103 medium-scale applications, 1,049 smaller schemes were submitted. The absence of major applications suggests the area is primarily characterised by smaller-scale improvements and extensions rather than large new developments.

Application Outcomes

Approved: 536 applications
Refused: 12 applications
Withdrawn: 159 applications
Awaiting decision: 528 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.