Development management is the part of the planning system that deals with applications for planning permission and other related applications, such as those for listed building, conservation area and advertisement consent.

As new buildings are built, we need to make sure that the Falkirk Council area maintains the right mix of homes, work spaces, local shops and open space to meet the needs of the residents and businesses.

We investigate breaches of planning rules and makes sure that developments are built in agreement with the approved plans.

Major developments

Some proposed developments come into the category of "major developments". When this is the case, the applicant has to submit a Proposal of Application Notice to the Council at least 12 weeks before a formal planning application can be made.

As part of this process, the applicant has to carry out a pre-application consultation with the local community. This has to include at least one public event where members of the community can meet and make comments about the proposals to the applicant.

The applicant has to place a notice in a local newspaper giving details of the time and location of each event. In addition, we will publish details of these events when the applicant makes them known to us on our Scheduled pre-application consultation events page.

Development Management Charter

Our Development Management Charter sets out the aims of the Development Management Unit and our targets for achieving the Council's vision. The document sets out what users can expect from the Unit and provides a guide to the planning process from pre-application discussions through to completion of development.

Development Management Charter

Frequently asked questions

  1. Do I need planning permission?
  2. How much will it cost?
  3. How do I apply for planning permission?
  4. What if I don’t like your decision on my application?
  5. What happens after I submit an application?
  6. How can I look at current and historic planning applications or comment on a current planning application?
  7. How are planning controls enforced?
  8. Can I get independent advice?
  9. How do I gain pre-application advice from the council?
  10. How do I get approval from the Council in order to discharge a condition attached to a planning application?
  11. How do I make an amendment to an approved planning application?

Do I need planning permission?

You can carry out many types of minor development without getting planning permission first. But it is sometimes hard to decide if planning permission is needed without looking at what you plan to do in more detail.

Please see our planning permission page for more details.


How much will it cost?

The cost of your planning application depends on what you are doing and where it is.

Please see our planning permission page for more details.


How do I apply for planning permission?

Please talk to us about what you would like to do before you make your application. This can help avoid problems later when you submit your plans.

We encourage you to submit your planning application online via the ePlanning Scotland website.

Please see our planning permission page for more details.


What if I don’t like your decision on my application?

If you are unhappy with our decision, you can either appeal to Scottish Ministers or request a review by our local review body.


What happens after I submit an application?

We may ask you to make changes to your proposals or you might want to change an application. We will describe the stages of the process and how we make a decision on an application.

Please see our after planning application submission page for more details.


How can I look at current and historic planning applications or comment on a current planning application?

With our ePlanning system, you can view plans and other documents for current and historic planning applications.

You can search by application number, street or date. You can find applications in your area on a map, view plans, documents and decisions, and make comments on current applications. Please use the “advanced” search tab.


How are planning controls enforced?

We monitor developments to make sure planning controls are being followed. The public also have a role in alerting us to any problems they become aware of.

More information is available on our planning enforcement page.

Please contact us if you want to report a breach of planning control.


Can I get independent advice?

PAS (Planning Aid Scotland) offers a free, impartial and confidential planning advice service, provided by our specialist volunteers, all of whom are chartered planners.

PAS helps individuals and community groups to get involved in the planning system in an impartial, open and inclusive way.

0300 323 7602

How do I gain pre-application advice from the council?

We would encourage all potential applicants to approach us before the submission of a formal planning application. If you wish to apply for pre-application advice please see our pre-application page.


How do I get approval from the Council in order to discharge a condition attached to a planning application?

If you wish to seek confirmation from the Council that details of a condition attached to a condition have been met/ or if you wish to provide information to us in order to purify a condition please see our Discharging conditions page.


How do I make an amendment to an approved planning application?

The formal process for making an amendment to an approved planning application is through the submission of a non-material variation.