Development management is the term used for the process of deciding whether to grant or refuse planning permission and other related consents. Planning authorities normally deal with applications for planning permission. Scottish Ministers become involved in a small minority of cases, but only do so only where it involves a matter of genuine national interest.
The main explanation of the Scottish Government's policy on development management is set out in Circular 3/2013: Development Management Procedures. Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) sets out the Government's key principles and expectations for development management.
- Development management should support the central purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth
- Development management processes should be responsive, reliable, transparent and efficient