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Search Orkney Islands Council planning applications

66 in the last 90 days14 in the last 306 in the last 1492% approveddecisions typically take 105 days

Source: Orkney Islands Council planning register · updated daily

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Approval trends over time, decision speed by application type, flood and conservation context, population and local data: all free with an account.

House prices in Orkney Islands Council: average £214,106, -0.3% over 12 months (UK House Price Index, July 2026)

Contains HM Land Registry data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. This data is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently asked questions

How many planning applications has Orkney Islands Council received?
Orkney Islands Council received 451 planning applications in the last 24 months. The approval rate is 92%.
How long does Orkney Islands Council take to decide applications?
Orkney Islands Council takes an average of 105 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 Orkney Islands Council?
Orkney Islands Council approves 92% of planning applications, against 87% nationally.
How do I object to a planning application in Orkney Islands Council?
Submit your representation to Orkney Islands Council during the public consultation period, typically 21 days from when the application was publicised. Planning Signal shows the consultation deadline for each application and links directly to the Orkney Islands Council planning portal.

Planning data sourced from Orkney Islands Council planning portal · Statistics based on the last 24 months

Planning Permission in Orkney Islands Council - Find the Right Professional

Find an Architect in Orkney Islands Council

Find your architect in the Orkney Islands Council area for planning permission applications, extensions and new builds.

Find a Building Contractor in Orkney Islands Council

Find local builders in the Orkney Islands Council area for planning-approved builds and permitted development works.

Common planning application types in Orkney Islands Council

Rear extensionsLoft conversionsHouseholder applicationsTree works & TPOListed building consentChange of useAnnexes & granny flatsSolar panelsBarn conversionsBasement extensions

About Orkney Islands Council Planning Authority

Track every planning application and planning permission decision in the Orkney Islands Council area. View live status, browse proposals by postcode, and get free email alerts for new developments. Updated daily from the council planning portal.

Orkney Islands Council serves as the local authority for the Orkney Islands, one of Scotland's 32 council areas. Established in 1975 under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the council has remained stable through subsequent local government reforms. Its headquarters are located in Kirkwall, making it a key player in managing planning applications and local development in the picturesque island region. The council was established in 16 May 1975. The council is currently led by Heather Woodbridge (Independent), who has held the position since 20 February 2024. Oliver Reid serves as Chief Executive since 23 January 2023. The council comprises 21 councillors serving Full council elected every 5 years terms, with the most recent election held on 5 May 2022.

The council area encompasses 139 towns and villages, including Kirkwall and Stromness. Use the planning application search above to find proposals across these communities by postcode.

In the last 24 months, Orkney Islands Council received 451 planning applications. Of these, 92% were approved, with an average decision time of 105 days.

The most common types were full planning applications (172), outline applications (35), listed building and heritage (33). 2 large-scale developments were submitted during this period.

Residents and developers can search all planning permission and permitted development applications for Orkney Islands Council above. To comment or object to a live application, visit the Orkney Islands Council planning portal directly. Planning Signal links to the original submission for every application listed.