Coming Soon Lothian · Scotland

Planning Applications in
East Lothian

East Lothian is part of the Lothian region. Search any postcode in East Lothian to see recent planning applications near you — including extensions, new builds, demolitions, and change of use applications.

update Last updated: 2 September 2026
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Search East Lothian Planning Applications

Search any East Lothian 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.

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Planning Application Types in East Lothian

Based on 608 applications tracked between 2025-05-07 and 2026-09-01.

home

Full

370 applications

61% of all applications

home_work

Householder

123 applications

20% of all applications

description

Advertisement

42 applications

7% of all applications

storefront

Change of Use

38 applications

6% of all applications

verified

Certificate of Lawfulness

17 applications

3% of all applications

delete

Demolition

14 applications

2% of all applications

bar_chart East Lothian Planning Statistics

608
Applications tracked
353
Unique locations
Full
Most common type
8
Application categories

Data period: 2025-05-07 to 2026-09-01 · Updated 2 September 2026

verified PlanWatch local data

What PlanWatch Is Tracking in East Lothian

PlanWatch currently holds 608 East Lothian planning records across 353 unique postcode locations, with tracked application dates from 2025-05-07 to 2026-09-01. The most common categories in this dataset are Full (370), Householder (123), Advertisement (42).

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.

Check approved drawings

Match drawing numbers and revision letters before relying on a plan.

Read conditions

Find conditions that control privacy, noise, drainage, materials or timing.

Write a useful objection

Keep comments factual, specific and tied to material planning issues.

Recent Planning Applications in East Lothian

Latest applications submitted to East Lothian council.

26/00911/P 2026-09-01

Extension to house

7 Polwarth Crescent Prestonpans EH32 9PW

Unknown
26/00898/P 2026-08-31

Extension to house

Craigievar Back Lane Aberlady EH32 0RU

Unknown
26/00886/P 2026-08-31

Erection of fencing and gates (Retrospective)

Formerly Civic Amenity Site Macmerry Industrial Estate Macmerry

Unknown
26/00879/P 2026-08-31

Alterations and use of vacant building to storage or distribution (Class 6) with ancillary trade counter

Unit 12 Merryfield IC Macmerry Industrial Estate Macmerry EH33 1RD

Unknown
26/00872/P 2026-08-31

Alterations to house

3 Maxwell Road Dirleton East Lothian EH39 5EY

Unknown
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Official Planning Portal

View and search planning applications directly on the East Lothian council website.

Visit East Lothian planning portal →

Objecting to a Planning Application in East Lothian

East Lothian 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 East Lothian's planning officers will expect you to evidence for each.

gavel Overlooking and loss of privacy gavel Loss of light or overshadowing gavel Noise and disturbance gavel Traffic and parking gavel Overbearing impact and scale gavel Character of the area gavel Drainage and flooding gavel Loss of trees

Then write the objection letter, or check what counts as a material consideration before you start. Objections normally have to reach East Lothian Council inside the 21-day consultation window.

Frequently Asked Questions — East Lothian Planning

How do I check planning applications in East Lothian? expand_more
Enter your postcode on PlanWatch to instantly see all recent planning applications in East Lothian. We show applications within a 1-mile radius, including extensions, new builds, and change of use applications.
How do I object to a planning application in East Lothian? expand_more
To object to a planning application in East Lothian, you need to submit your comments during the public consultation period (usually 21 days). Visit the East Lothian council planning portal or write to their planning department. Your objection must be based on material planning considerations such as impact on privacy, traffic, or character of the area.
How long does planning permission take in East Lothian? expand_more
Most planning applications in East Lothian are decided within 8 weeks for minor applications and 13 weeks for major developments. However, complex applications or those requiring committee decisions can take longer. You can track the status of any application on PlanWatch.
Can I get alerts for new planning applications in East Lothian? expand_more
You can search and save a postcode for East Lothian in PlanWatch. Paid PlanWatch plans add instant email alerts for new applications near a monitored postcode.
What planning applications don't need permission in East Lothian? expand_more
Some developments in East Lothian fall under "permitted development rights" and don't need planning permission. This includes certain small extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, and changes of use. However, if you're in a conservation area, listed building, or AONB, additional restrictions may apply. Always check with East Lothian council before starting work.
Can planning applications affect my property value in East Lothian? expand_more
Planning applications near your home in East Lothian may affect how you use or assess a property. PlanWatch helps you find the application and link to the official council record; check the drawings, consultation dates and planning decision before making any property decision.
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Read the planning guides →

Nearby Councils in Lothian

Explore planning applications in other Lothian councils.

City of Edinburgh
Coming soon
Midlothian
✅ Live data
West Lothian
✅ Live data
View all 418 councils →

Planning Guides for East Lothian Residents

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How to Object to a Planning Application
Your rights as a neighbour
 home_work
Permitted Development Rights Explained
What you can build without permission
 assignment
Planning Permission Process
Complete guide from application to decision
 park
Conservation Areas & Planning
Extra restrictions and protections
 fence
Party Wall Act Explained
Building near a shared boundary
 report
Planning Enforcement
When rules are broken
 balance
How to Appeal a Planning Decision
Your options after a refusal
 payments
Planning Permission Costs
2025 fee schedule and what to expect
 schedule
How Long Does Permission Take?
Timescales from application to decision
 fact_check
Material Planning Considerations
What councils must and can't consider
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Can Permission Be Refused?
Common reasons and what to do next
 history
Retrospective Planning Permission
Applying after building without consent
 search
How to View Planning Applications Near You
Search by postcode & read the decision
 notifications
Planning Alerts
Paid instant monitoring for saved postcodes

Do I Need Planning Permission For...?

🏠 Conservatory 🏘️ Extension 🏡 Loft Conversion 💼 Garden Office 🚗 Garage 🏚️ Shed 🪵 Fence 🚪 Porch 🅿️ Driveway 🛣️ Dropped Kerb 🪵 Decking ☀️ Solar Panels ♨️ Heat Pump 🔌 EV Charger 🏗️ Carport 🧱 Cladding

Specialist Topics

🔄 Change of Use 🏛️ Listed Buildings 🏢 Flats & HMOs 🌳 Trees & TPOs 🏕️ Mobile Homes & Caravans 📋 Section 106 Agreements

Common Planning Situations

🏗️ Building Too Close to Boundary ☀️ Extension Blocking My Light 🛑 Can I Stop a Planning Application? 🏘️ New Housing Development Near Me 🏢 Commercial in Residential Area ⚠️ Built Without Permission 📡 Phone Mast Near Me 🏡 Garden Room & Outbuilding 🔄 Pub/Shop Converting to Flats ✋ How to Stop a Planning Application 🔨 Neighbour Building Extension

Data Sources

For local trades

The biggest jobs in East Lothian are announced weeks before anyone is hired

A conservatory, an extension, a re-roof — it starts life on this page as a planning application, weeks before the homeowner picks a firm. PlanWatch reads every application and turns them into a monthly, addressed lead list for exactly one firm per trade per area.

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