Plans to increase the maximum fee level for planning applications are being opposed by Scottish home builders.

Under the proposals, the maximum fee level for planning applications will rise to £125,000.

However, Homes for Scotland (HfS) Planning Director Tammy Adams said while home builders do not oppose the principle of reviewing and increasing fees, they are against the idea due to Scotland's "disastrously slow" planning system.

In recent months, the average decision time for major housing applications has been 48.5 weeks – more than three times the statutory 16 week period.


Ms Adams said this figure also does not include the likes of negotiating Section 75 Agreements or road construction consents.

"The slowness of Scotland's planning system works against the common goal of all those who want to increase the delivery of much-needed new homes," she said.

"Indeed, our members tell us it has never been harder to get homes out of the ground.

"As no evidence has been provided to suggest the planning fee is the root cause of poor performance, or that the increase now proposed will guarantee a material improvement to applicants, we cannot support the measures currently being put forward.

"Homes for Scotland is ready and willing to engage positively with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders on how a stronger and more supportable package of measures can be put together to improve planning performance and justify a review of planning fees."

Ms Adams added the organisation will be requesting a meeting with officials and Ministers as soon as the consultation over the proposal closes.

(LM/MH)