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.
Search Aberdeen Planning Applications
Search any Aberdeen postcode above, then save it to a free PlanWatch account so it is ready next time. Paid plans add instant email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode.
Planning Application Types in Aberdeen
Based on 771 applications tracked between 2026-01-26 and 2026-09-02.
Full
53% of all applications
Change of Use
16% of all applications
Householder
15% of all applications
Tree Works
13% of all applications
Demolition
1% of all applications
Prior Approval
1% of all applications
Aberdeen Planning Statistics
Data period: 2026-01-26 to 2026-09-02 · Updated 2 September 2026
What PlanWatch Is Tracking in Aberdeen
PlanWatch currently holds 771 Aberdeen planning records across 515 unique postcode locations, with tracked application dates from 2026-01-26 to 2026-09-02. The most common categories in this dataset are Full (408), Change of Use (123), Householder (113).
Use this page to start with a postcode search, then open the official council record for the decision notice, drawings, consultation deadline and any later conditions. That matters because a short application description rarely shows the details neighbours and buyers care about: side windows, roof forms, access, drainage, tree works, opening hours or amended plans.
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 4no. Protected Trees: T1 - Poplar Tree - Removal of tree including stump, T2, T3, T4 - Cherry Trees - Removal of trees including stump, TG1 - Cypress Group - Reduction in height, removal of hanging branches and deadwood
Kingsacre 257 North Deeside Road Cults Aberdeen AB15 9PA
Erection of single storey extension to rear
90 Mastrick Drive Aberdeen AB16 6UJ
Proposed single storey rear extension
4 Countesswells Crescent Aberdeen AB15 8LP
Works to 2no. Protected Trees, T1 - Copper Beech; reduced, T2 - Lime; removed
13 Queen's Road Aberdeen AB15 4YL
Formation of door and window openings and formation of window from an existing door opening
2 Commerce Street Aberdeen AB11 5EB
Official Planning Portal
View and search planning applications directly on the Aberdeen council website.
Visit Aberdeen planning portal →Objecting to a Planning Application in Aberdeen
Aberdeen Council can only weigh objections that raise a material planning consideration. Personal disputes, loss of a view and property value are not material and are set aside. These are the grounds that do count, with what Aberdeen's planning officers will expect you to evidence for each.
Then write the objection letter, or check what counts as a material consideration before you start. Objections normally have to reach Aberdeen Council inside the 21-day consultation window.
Frequently Asked Questions — Aberdeen Planning
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How do I object to a planning application in Aberdeen?
How long does planning permission take in Aberdeen?
Can I get alerts for new planning applications in Aberdeen?
What planning applications don't need permission in Aberdeen?
Can planning applications affect my property value in Aberdeen?
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Read the planning guides →Nearby Councils in Grampian
Explore planning applications in other Grampian councils.
Planning Guides for Aberdeen Residents
Do I Need Planning Permission For...?
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: 2 September 2026
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