Live Data Orkney · Scotland

Planning Applications in
Orkney Islands

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

Orkney Islands Council is often written as OIC. The authority covers Kirkwall and Stromness and the surrounding parishes.

update Last updated: 28 October 2026
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Search Orkney Islands Planning Applications

Search any Orkney Islands postcode above, then save it to a free PlanWatch account so it is ready next time. Paid plans add email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode, sent within hours of them reaching the council register.

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Planning Application Types in Orkney Islands

Based on 161 applications tracked between 2024-11-26 and 2026-10-26.

home

Full

136 applications

84% of all applications

storefront

Change of Use

18 applications

11% of all applications

nature

Tree Works

4 applications

2% of all applications

home_work

Householder

2 applications

1% of all applications

description

Advertisement

1 applications

1% of all applications

bar_chart Orkney Islands Planning Statistics

161
Applications tracked
88
Unique locations
Full
Most common type
5
Application categories

Data period: 2024-11-26 to 2026-10-26 · Updated 28 October 2026

verified PlanWatch local data

What PlanWatch Is Tracking in Orkney Islands

PlanWatch currently holds 161 Orkney Islands planning records across 88 unique postcode locations, with tracked application dates from 2024-11-26 to 2026-10-26. The most common categories in this dataset are Full (136), Change of Use (18), Tree Works (4).

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 Orkney Islands

Latest applications submitted to Orkney Islands council.

26/262/LB 2026-10-26

Install internal and external lighting and cabling (with covers)

St Johns Kirk, North Walls, Hoy

Awaiting decision
26/264/PP 2026-10-23

Erect a replacement house with an air source heat pump (one for one)

Upper House Ruin, Sandwick, Orkney

Awaiting decision
26/230/HH 2026-10-20

Erect a garage, retaining wall and upgrade an access

Cogar, Auster Road, Orphir Village, Orkney KW17 2RB

Awaiting decision
26/263/PP 2026-10-20

Install ground mounted solar PV array, an electrical kiosk/shed and associated underground cabling

St Johns Kirk, North Walls, Hoy, Orkney

Awaiting decision
26/267/PP 2026-10-19

Erect a bakery

Rendalls Bakery, Finstown Firth Orkney KW17 2EL

Awaiting decision
open_in_new

Official Planning Portal

View and search planning applications directly on the Orkney Islands council website.

Visit Orkney Islands planning portal →

Objecting to a Planning Application in Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands'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 Orkney Islands Council inside the 21-day consultation window.

Frequently Asked Questions — Orkney Islands Planning

How do I check planning applications in Orkney Islands? expand_more
Enter your postcode on PlanWatch to instantly see all recent planning applications in Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands? expand_more
To object to a planning application in Orkney Islands, you need to submit your comments during the public consultation period (usually 21 days). Visit the Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands? expand_more
Most planning applications in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands? expand_more
You can search and save a postcode for Orkney Islands in PlanWatch. Paid PlanWatch plans add email alerts for new applications near a monitored postcode, sent within hours of them reaching the council register.
What planning applications don't need permission in Orkney Islands? expand_more
Some developments in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands council before starting work.
Can planning applications affect my property value in Orkney Islands? expand_more
Planning applications near your home in Orkney Islands 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.
Is OIC the same as Orkney Islands Council? expand_more
Yes. OIC is the short form people use for Orkney Islands Council, the local planning authority for the area. Searching a postcode on this page covers the same applications you would find on the Orkney Islands planning portal.
Does Orkney Islands Council cover Kirkwall? expand_more
Yes. Orkney Islands Council is the local planning authority for Kirkwall and Stromness and the surrounding area. Enter any postcode in those towns on this page to see recent planning applications nearby.
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Free accounts save one postcode in Orkney Islands so it is ready whenever you want to check what has been applied for nearby. Paid plans add email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode, sent within hours of them reaching the council register.

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Read the planning guides →

Planning Guides for Orkney Islands Residents

gavel
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 monitoring for saved postcodes, alerts within hours

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 Orkney Islands 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.

Claim Orkney Islands for your trade →

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