Planning Applications in
Aberdeen
Aberdeen has a population of approximately 228,800 and is part of the Grampian region. Search any postcode in Aberdeen to see recent planning applications near you — including extensions, new builds, demolitions, and change of use applications.
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Set Up Free AlertsPlanning Application Types in Aberdeen
Based on 61 applications tracked between 2026-01-26 and 2026-02-17.
Full
46% of all applications
Change of Use
26% of all applications
Tree Works
13% of all applications
Householder
10% of all applications
Demolition
3% of all applications
Conditions
2% of all applications
Aberdeen Planning Statistics
Data period: 2026-01-26 to 2026-02-17 · Updated 13 March 2026
Planning Battles in Aberdeen
Notable planning controversies and disputes that have shaped development in the Aberdeen area.
Union Street Decline and Conservation Challenges
2018-2025Aberdeen's Union Street — once one of Britain's grandest commercial streets with its uniform granite architecture — has suffered severe decline, with high vacancy rates and deteriorating building conditions. The council's £150 million Union Street Masterplan aims to transform the area, but progress has been slow. Listed building owners argue they cannot afford maintenance of granite buildings without economic incentives.
Why this matters: Conservation area and listed building applications on Union Street directly affect the city's most important architectural asset — monitoring ensures repair, restoration, and conversion proposals maintain the granite character.
Marischal Square Development
2015-2019The Marischal Square development adjacent to the Grade A listed Marischal College was one of Aberdeen's most controversial planning decisions. Critics argued the modern design was inappropriate next to the world's second-largest granite building, and the demolition of St Nicholas House (brutalist council offices) was rushed. The development delivered offices, a hotel, and restaurants, but public opinion remained divided on its design quality.
Why this matters: Development adjacent to listed buildings requires assessment of impact on setting — monitoring ensures heritage considerations are properly weighed, especially when the local authority is both developer and planning authority.
Energy Transition and Industrial Land
2020-2025Aberdeen's transition from oil and gas to renewable energy is reshaping planning decisions around industrial and commercial land. The South Harbour expansion and Energy Transition Zone at Torry are major infrastructure investments, but communities in Torry have raised concerns about industrial encroachment on residential areas.
Why this matters: Energy transition developments bring new industrial uses to areas previously unaffected — monitoring applications ensures communities near ports and industrial zones can participate in consultation.
Major Developments to Watch in Aberdeen
Large-scale projects and developments that are shaping the future of Aberdeen.
Aberdeen South Harbour Expansion
2017-2026£420 million expansion of Aberdeen Harbour at Nigg Bay, creating one of the largest harbour developments in the UK to support energy transition, cruise tourism, and offshore wind servicing.
Energy Transition Zone (ETZ)
2021-2030Major development at St Fittick's Park and Torry for renewable energy industry facilities, skills training, and commercial space — Aberdeen's flagship energy transition project.
Union Street Masterplan
2020-2030£150 million transformation of Union Street and the surrounding city centre, including public realm improvements, building restoration, and interventions to address vacancy and decline.
TECA (The Event Complex Aberdeen)
2019-complete£333 million events complex at Bucksburn including the P&J Live arena (capacity 16,000), conference centre, and hotel — complete and operational, with associated development continuing.
What Makes Planning in Aberdeen Different
- Aberdeen operates under the Scottish planning system, which differs significantly from England — applications are determined under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, with National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) replacing the Scottish Planning Policy
- The city's granite architecture creates unique planning considerations — Aberdeen is known as the 'Granite City' and the local development plan includes specific policies on the use and conservation of granite in new and existing buildings
- Aberdeen's oil and gas industry has created a distinctive pattern of employment land, with large areas designated for energy-related industrial use that is now transitioning to renewable energy applications
- Section 75 agreements (Scotland's equivalent of Section 106) operate slightly differently from English planning obligations, with different legal frameworks for affordable housing contributions
- The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR/bypass), completed in 2019, has shifted development pressure to sites along the route corridor, changing the geography of housing and commercial applications
Aberdeen City Council processes approximately 2,200 planning applications per year. The Local Development Plan (adopted 2023) includes a housing target of approximately 1,100 homes per year, though the oil industry downturn significantly reduced demand from the 2015 peak. The energy transition is expected to generate significant new commercial and industrial planning applications. Aberdeen's planning department works closely with Aberdeenshire Council on cross-boundary strategic issues.
Key Areas in Aberdeen
Average house prices around £170,000, having fallen significantly from the oil boom peak of £215,000 in 2015. The oil and gas downturn dramatically reshaped Aberdeen's housing market. Cults, Bieldside, and Rubislaw remain premium areas at £350,000+. Buy-to-let market has contracted following the oil industry downturn. The AWPR (bypass) has changed commuting patterns.
Recent Planning Applications in Aberdeen
Latest applications submitted to Aberdeen council.
Works to 1no Protected Tree; T1 - Silver Birch: reduce and shape
78 Beaconsfield Place Aberdeen AB15 4AJ
Erection of replacement single storey extension to rear
46 Hammersmith Road Aberdeen AB10 6ND
Mixed use development incorporating residential, commercial uses, community facilities, open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure (removal of condition 2 (phasing of development) and variation of condition 7 (implementation of left-in/left-out of eastern junction)) of planning permission in principle 190043/S42
Land At Maidencraig North & South Of A944 Aberdeen AB15 6XH
Change of use from office (class 4) to private medical clinic (class 1A)
Commerce House Commerce Street Aberdeen AB11 5FN
Works to 5no. Protected Trees as per schedule of works
Deveron North Deeside Road Cults Aberdeen AB15 9PL
Official Planning Portal
View and search planning applications directly on the Aberdeen council website.
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Nearby Councils in Grampian
Explore planning applications in other Grampian councils.
Planning Guides for Aberdeen Residents
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Specialist Topics
Common Planning Situations
Data Sources
- Planning application data: planning.data.gov.uk
- Aberdeen council planning portal — publicaccess.aberdeencity.gov.uk
- Planning Inspectorate (PINS) appeal decisions
- Data last refreshed: 13 March 2026