DPEA Case Management System Downtime
The DPEA Case Management System (CMS/Portal) will be unavailable from 20 - 27 November 2026 inclusive due to planned migration activities. During this period users will be unable to access case information. Normal service is expected to resume from 30 November 2026. Alternative submission arrangements and further guidance will be available on our website. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience while we complete these essential improvements to our service.
Planning Appeals On-line
The DPEA Division of the Scottish Government plays an important role in the Planning Appeals system in Scotland. The DPEA is responsible for the administration of over 20 different types of casework.
Contact DPEA:
Phone: 0300 244 6668
Email: dpea@gov.scot
PAD Decisions Branch processes a wide range of statutory planning and historic environment casework that Scottish Ministers have an interest in. The range of case types includes: notified applications, compulsory purchase orders and EIA screening directions.
Contact PAD:
Phone: 0131 244 7073
Email: planning.decisions@gov.scot
The guidance below provides information on different aspects of the planning process:
How to Appeal Guidance
Local Development Plan Guidance
Reporters Guidance Notes
Other Case Work
Live and archived DPEA webcasts are available to view on our webcasting site
Once a decision is made, documentation will remain on the website for 12 weeks, after which only the originating documents and decision notice will remain on the website. We then remove all case documentation after 10 years from the date of the decision, in compliance with the Scottish Government's archiving and retention policy. Copies of archived decision notices from 1971 to 2016 can be sought by consulting with the National Library.
You can view our Privacy Notice Here.