Appendix 1 FQ3 2025-26 DM Performance Report, 09/02/2026 Pre-Agenda Briefing of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee

Argyll and Bute Council · 18 February 2026
Back to Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee — 18 February 2026 and its agenda

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Page 1

#
Volumes
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY23/24
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY24/25
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY25/26
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3
Statutory 509 511 451 508 512 457 468 404 422 469 423 412 386 415 411 397 2012 75.9% 1982 76.1% 1751 74.3% 1690 76.1% 1223 74.9%
Non-Statutory 10 10 10 14 17 15 26 25 21 14 22 23 26 23 25 20 56 2.1% 51 2.0% 87 3.7% 85 3.8% 68 4.2%
PREAPP 166 153 146 121 150 122 137 120 141 119 104 107 117 116 107 118 582 22.0% 570 21.9% 520 22.1% 447 20.1% 341 20.9%
Totals 685 674 607 643 679 594 631 549 584 602 549 542 529 554 543 535 2650 2603 2358 2222 1632
This data is unfiltered - it shows all casework received. YTD as at 31st December 2025
data source = UNIform (Access queries)
This tab provides information on the volume of DM case work received by financial quarter and includes a breakdown between statutory items (planning and related applications), non-
statutory items (consultations from other regulatory bodies), and pre-application enquiries.
FY25/26 YTD
Split of Casework Received
The data set covers the last 16 financial quarters and confirms that demand for the determination of planning
applications and other statutory activity of the Council as the Planning Authority remains high and relatively
constant in its volume. End FQ3 2025/26: Submission rates for FQ3 are within expected parameters.
Commentary:
FY24/25
New Casework Received
FY21/22 FY22/23 FY23/24
509 511
451
508 512
457 468
404 422
469
423 412 386 415 411 397
10 10
10
14 17
15 26
25 21
14
22 23
26
23 25 20
166 153
146
121
150
122
137
120
141
119
104 107 117
116 107 118
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY23/24
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY24/25
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY25/26
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3
Volume of New Casework Received
PREAPP
Non-Statutory
Statutory
74.9%
4.2%
20.9%
Split of Casework Received: FY25/26 YTD
Statutory Non-Statutory PREAPP
Appendix 1

Page 2

#
Volumes
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY23/24
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY24/25
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY25/26
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3
Statutory 396 410 369 402 368 476 421 458 423 464 464 427 425 370 407 382 1610 72.4% 1549 74.5% 1778 75.1% 1780 76.5% 1159 74.4%
Non-Statutory 13 9 8 5 11 19 18 21 17 17 31 15 25 21 22 26 46 2.1% 33 1.6% 75 3.2% 88 3.8% 69 4.4%
PREAPP 145 149 119 124 104 150 109 121 133 106 122 115 116 133 100 97 568 25.5% 496 23.9% 513 21.7% 459 19.7% 330 21.2%
2224 2078 2366 2327 1558
This data is unfiltered - it shows all casework closed.
data source = UNIform (Access queries) YTD as at 31st December 2025
This tab provides detail on the volume of DM casework that has been closed and includes a breakdown between statutory items (planning and related applications), non-statutory items
(consultations from other regulatory bodies), and pre-application enquiries.
FY21/22 FY22/23 FY23/24
Casework Closed
FY24/25 FY25/26 YTD
Split of Casework Closed
The data set covers the last 16 financial quarters and demonstrates that regardless of performance issues in
respect of timeliness output remains high. There has been a notable improvement in productivity from FQ1
2023/24 which corresponds with the increasing availability of officer resource and a more settled position
following the significant disruption to workflow arising from NPF4 (FQ4 2022/23); this improving position has
continued through subsequent reporting periods.  End FQ3 2025/26: Productivity during 2025/26 has reduced
although this is not wholly unexpected as the Service has operated with vacancies during this period. Output
during FQ 3 was impacted  significantly by issues arising from an update of back office systems that resulted in
unexpected extended periods of downtime over a four week period in October/November. Output was also
detrimentally impacted by vacancies and training of incoming staff members, particularly in the MAKI team which
has had extensive disruption to staff availability, and loss of the Team Leader during this period.
Commentary:
396 410
369 402 368
476
421 458 423
464 464 427 425
370 407 382
13 9
8
5
11
19
18
21
17
17 31
15 25
21
22
26
145 149
119
124
104
150
109
121
133
106
122
115 116
133
100
97
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY23/24
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY24/25
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY25/26
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3
Volume of Casework Closed
PREAPP
Non-Statutory
Statutory
74.4%
4.4%
21.2%
Split of Casework Closed: FY25/26 YTD
Statutory Non-Statutory PREAPP

Page 3

#
Volumes
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY23/24
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY24/25
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY25/26
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3
Closed 409 419 377 407 379 495 439 479 440 481 495 442 450 391 429 408
Validated 450 462 455 436 509 462 428 366 428 425 425 370 400 387 427 387
Difference (no) -41 -43 -78 -29 -130 33 11 113 12 56 70 72 50 4 2 21
This data is unfiltered - it shows the number of cases closed vs number of cases validated.
data source = UNIform (Access queries)
Casework Turnover - Volume
This tab shows a comparison between the volume of new statutory and non-statutory casework and output per financial quarter. The Y axis has been formatted to track the cumulative backlog of
applications over the last rolling 16 financial quarters.
Commentary:
The graph shows that after 7 financial quarters (FQ2 2021/22 -
FQ4 2022/23) where output was lower than input, a backlog of
375 casework items were accumulated. During this period the
DM Service were impacted by Covid restrictions/recovery and
required to operate with a number of key vacancies due to a
national shortage of planning professionals. Improving
performance during 2023/24 has however reduced the backlog
at the end of that period to 206 items.   As significant
improvement in performance is evident from FQ1 2023/24 which
corresponds with the resolution of key staffing issues within the
Service, this improving position has been maintained moving
forward from that point. End FQ3 2025/26: Turnover for much of
FQ3 seen output fall behind demand due to unexpected issues
arising from an update to key backoffice systems that
significantly reduced the ability of admin, CVT, and planning
officers to undertake their duties over a four week period in
Oct/Nov. Productivity has also been impacted by a reduced staff
presenence in both BCHL and MAKI arising from staff departures
in Oct and Nov. Resolution of systems issues and improved
availability of staff thoughout December has seen a significant
recovery of performance late in the reporting period.
-41
-43
-78
-29
-130
33 11
113 12
56
70
72
50 4 2
21
FY21/22 FQ4
FY22/23 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY23/24 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY24/25 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY25/26 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
-350
-300
-250
-200
-150
-100
-50
0
50
100
150
Casework Turnover Rate

Page 4

Jan '24 Apr Jul Oct Jan '25 Apr Jul Oct Jan '26 Apr Jul Oct
1 - 2 Years 204 166 130 89 66 48 48 54 59
2+ Years 85 73 62 40 36 38 42 37 34
289 239 192 129 102 86 90 91 93 0 0 0
Estimated on 1st August 2024. Data sourced from Uniform on - or as near as possible to first working day of each financial quarter (from August 2024)
Live Legacy Applications - quarterly progress: Argyll & Bute Council
Commentary:
This graph provides detail of the volume of 'legacy' cases
remaining at the start of each Quarter since Jan 2024 (start FQ4
24/25). 'Legacy' cases are statutory items that remain
undetermined more than 1 year after validation. These cases are
generally items that have a high degree of complexity, can be
contentious, or are not readily aligned with the requirements of
the Development Plan. A significant number of 'legacy' items are
items that have required substantial reworking or the provision
of additional information from the applicant with the intention
of addressing identified short-comings in the original submission,
often requiring extensive input from planning officers. In some
cases 'legacy' items are no longer being actively pursued by
applicants but have not as yet been formally withdrawn. The
determination of 'legacy' items has a significant adverse effect
on average time performance measures and can also impact on
allocation of staff resource and morale.. End FQ3 2025/26:
During FQ3, 16 legacy items were determined. However, during
this period 18 new legacy items have accrued. The
determination of legacy cases has plateaued and gives rise to
concern and an indication that this backlog of longstanding
complex cases is unable to be resolved without additional
targetted resource.
204
166
130
89
66 48 48 54 59
0 0 0
85
73
62
40
36
38 42 37 34
0 0 00
50
100
150
200
250
300
Jan '24 Apr Jul Oct Jan '25 Apr Jul Oct Jan '26 Apr Jul Oct
Live Legacy Applications: Argyll & Bute
1 - 2 Years 2+ Years

Page 5

#
Volumes
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY23/24
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY24/25
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY25/26
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3
Closed 145 149 119 124 104 150 109 121 133 106 122 115 116 133 100 97
Validated 153 159 137 117 140 117 132 120 130 115 92 103 116 117 100 118
Difference (no) -8 -10 -18 7 -36 33 -23 1 3 -9 30 12 0 16 0 -21
Number of PREAPP's closed vs number of PREAPP's validated.
data source = UNIform (Access queries)
PREAPP Turnover - Volume
This tab shows a comparison between the volume of new pre-application casework and output per financial quarter. The Y axis has been formatted to track the cumulative backlog of pre-
application enquiries over the last rolling 16 financial quarters.
Commentary:
The Graph shows the accumulation of a backlog of pre-
application enquiries over the period FQ3 2021/22 - FQ4
2022/23 during a period where the DM Service operated with a
number of key vacancies and has experienced significant
workflow disruption with the introduction of NPF4. It had
previously been identified that the backlog amounted to around
180 applications; however following a review of the data input
and accuracy of the data available (see detail of correction
below) it has become evident that earlier reports included cases
that were invalid and cases that had not been closed off
proprerly in the back office system. The updated report confirms
that the backlog of pre-application enquiries reached a
maximum of just over 50 items; this position has seen significant
improvement. End FQ3 2025/26: Turnover during FQ3 has  seen
output fall behind demand. This is largely attributed to the
impact of unexpected issues arising from an update to key
backoffice systems that significantly reduced the ability of
admin, CVT, and planning officers to undertake their duties over
a four week period in Oct/Nov. Productivity has also been
impacted by a reduced staff presenence in both BCHL and MAKI
arising from staff departures in Oct and Nov. Available resource
has been focussed on recovery of performance for statutory case
work during December.
-8
-10
-18
7
-36
33
-23
1 3
-9
30
12
0
16
0
-21
FY21/22 FQ4
FY22/23 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY23/24 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY24/25 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY25/26 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
-100
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
20
40
PREAPP Turnover Rate

Page 6

#
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY23/24
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY24/25
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY25/26
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY23/24
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY24/25
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY25/26
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3
< 6 months 10.8 10.9 10.2 11.0 13.3 11.8 11.6 11.8 12.0 9.6 9.6 10.1 8.5 8.1 7.9 9.3 < 6 months 79 71 69 82 51 43 67 63 54 50 56 52 60 59 66 48
< 1 year 13.3 12.4 12.4 12.0 17.3 17.8 15.4 14.6 18.3 12.4 12.6 12.6 9.8 8.7 7.9 9.7 6 months - 1 year 8 5 6 4 11 13 12 9 19 6 8 5 4 1 0 1
< 2 years 13.8 12.4 13.1 12.0 17.3 18.5 18.1 16.8 20.0 16.1 19.0 13.5 12.2 10.4 7.9 10.6 1 - 2 years 1 0 1 0 0 1 4 3 2 4 7 1 3 2 0 1
All Determined 13.8 12.4 13.1 12.0 17.3 21.6 18.1 16.8 20.0 16.1 26.1 15.9 14.2 10.4 7.9 10.6 Over 2 years 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 0
Total 88 76 76 86 62 59 83 75 75 60 75 59 68 62 66 50
This data is filtered - as per Scottish Government statistical returns - to allow benchmarking. "Householder" = Development Type N01.
data source = UNIform (Access queries)
Commentary:
The line graph shows performance over time; the bar graph shows the proportionate split between 'legacy' casework and newer items. A comparison of the two demonstrates that the 'All Determined' average can be readily impacted by the determination of a small number of 'legacy'
applications. The improving resource availability has allowed the focus of the DM Service from FQ1 2023/24 to move from addressing the most urgent applications to also addressing the wider backlog of application casework. Increasing output does however mean that a high volume of 'legacy'
applications continue to be determined with significant deteriment to average time measures as is seen with the deterioration of performance across FQ4 2022/23 to FQ4 2023/24. In order to provide some context additional information is provided that demonstrates the effect of removing
older applications from reporting to provide a truer picture of the time taken to deliver the larger proportion of casework. The bar graph provides this breakdown in a format which shows the increasing volume of older applications currently being determined but also confirms that a significant
proportion of output is still undertaken in a timely manner. Peformance from FQ1 2024/25 has shown a marked improvement which demonstrates that the majority of householder applications are now being determined in much shorter time periods. End FQ3 2025/26:  During FQ3
Householder Applications have been determined in an average of 10.6 weeks (decrease from 7.9 weeks during FQ2 25/26); one legacy item has been determined during FQ3 and is responsible for adding 0.9 weeks to the headline performance measure. The lengthening timeperiods during FQ3
are attributed to significant issues with backoffice systems in Oct/Nov, and significant staff turnover within the reporting period. The remaining householder items determined were all less than 6 months old and determined in an average time of 9.3 weeks. Performance in the determination of
householder applications is slightly behind track (DM Service Plan Target <10 weeks), National Average (latest data FQ2 24/25) was 8.7 weeks.
Average Time to Determine Applications: Householder ( <6 Month, <1 Year, <2 Year, All) Volume of Applications Determined: Householder - Time Taken
The Average Time Taken to Determine Householder Planning Applications
This tab provides detail on the average time taken to determine 'householder' planning applications, this is based on raw data which does not take into account any delays that might arise from matters outwith the control of the planning authority.
10.8 10.9 10.2 11.0
13.3
11.8 11.6 11.8 12.0
9.6 9.6 10.1
8.5 8.1 7.9 9.3
9.7
10.6
13.8
12.4 13.1 12.0
17.3
21.6
18.1
16.8
20.0
16.1
26.1
15.9
14.2
10.4
7.9
10.6
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY23/24
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY24/25
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY25/26
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3
Average no. of weeks to determine: Householder   (<6 Month, <1 Year, <2 Year, All)
< 6 months < 1 year < 2 years All Determined
79
71
69
82
51
43
67
63
54
50
56
52
60
59
66
48
8
5
6
4
11
13
12
9
19
6
8
5
4
1
1
1
1
1
4
3
2
4
7
1
3
2
1
2
4
1
1
50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
FY21/22 FQ4
FY22/23 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY23/24 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY24/25 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY25/26 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
% Split: Householder  
(<6 Month, <1 Year, <2 Year, All)
< 6 months 6 months - 1 year 1 - 2 years Over 2 years

Page 7

#
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY23/24
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY24/25
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY25/26
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY23/24
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY24/25
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3 FQ4
FY25/26
FQ1 FQ2 FQ3
< 6 months 11.5 12.4 10.1 10.2 12.9 13.5 14.0 12.7 12.1 11.6 11.5 12.7 12.2 10.2 10.9 11.2 < 6 months 125 114 110 104 69 87 106 95 79 97 106 104 110 80 92 85
< 1 year 13.4 14.5 14.0 18.0 19.2 19.3 18.7 18.8 21.0 19.0 16.3 17.0 15.6 17.9 14.3 15.2 6 months - 1 year 11 14 19 43 25 31 27 32 40 39 26 22 17 33 15 18
< 2 years 14.2 15.7 16.1 19.9 23.6 21.9 25.0 25.8 29.3 26.1 24.5 25.6 20.7 21.4 19.7 19.5 1 - 2 years 2 3 6 6 10 7 20 22 19 23 25 22 13 9 11 9
All Determined 16.7 16.8 17.0 19.9 24.5 27.6 27.4 30.2 33.4 30.0 37.8 31.2 26.4 26.7 24.5 26.7 Over 2 years 3 1 1 0 1 4 3 6 6 4 19 7 7 6 5 6
Total 141 132 136 153 105 129 156 155 144 163 176 155 147 128 123 118
This data is filtered - as per Scottish Government statistical returns - to allow benchmarking. "Local (excluding Householder)" = Development Types N02B/C, N03B/C, N04B/C, N05B/C, N06B/C, N07B/C, N08B/C, N09B/C, N10B/C.
data source = UNIform (Access queries)
Commentary:
The line graph shows performance over time; the bar graph shows the proportionate split between 'legacy' and newer items. A comparison of the two demonstrates that the 'All Determined' average can be readily impacted by the determination of a small number of 'legacy' applications. The
improving resource availability has allowed the focus of the DM Service is to move during 2023/24 from addressing the most urgent applications to also addressing the wider backlog of application casework. Increasing output does however mean that a higher volume of 'legacy' applications will
be determined with significant deteriment to average time measures as is seen with the deterioration of overall average time performance measures from FQ2 2022/23 to FQ4 2023/24. In order to provide some context additional information is provided that demonstrates the effect of
removing older applications from considerations to provide a truer picture of the time taken to deliver the larger proportion of casework that has been determined. The bar graph provides this breakdown in a format which shows the increasing volume of older applications currently being
determined but also confirms that a significant proportion of output is still undertaken in a timely manner. End FQ3 2025/26: FQ3 has seen 15 legacy applications cleared, with the effect of adding 11.5 weeks to the overall average time measure which now sits at 26.7 weeks (decrease from
24.5 weeks in FQ2 2025/26).  It is also noted that some of the negative impact is attributed to delays to determination which were outwith the control of the planning authority and which will be adjusted in statutory reporting by the Scottish Government. During FQ3 the determination of non-
legacy local applications were undertaken in an average of 15.2 weeks (decrease from 14.3 weeks in FQ2 25/26). It is however highlighted that a consistently high proportion of applications are continuing to being determined at an early stage with 72% of all local applications in FQ3 were
newer items determined in an average time of 11.2 weeks (previously 74% in 10.9 weeks in FQ2 2025/26). Due to the impact of legacy items, the headline measure remains off-track (DM Service Plan Target <16 weeks). For the purpose of comparison, the National Average (latest data FQ2
24/25) was 14.8 weeks. The lengthening in timescales during FQ3 are attributed to significant issues with backofice systems in Oct/Nov and disruption arising from significant staff turnover during this period.
Average Time to Determine Applications: Local (Excluding Householder) ( <6 Month, <1 Year, <2 Year, All) Volume of Applications Determined: Local (Excluding Householder) - Time Taken
The Average Time Taken to Determine Local (excluding Householder) Planning Applications
This tab provides detail on the average time taken to determine 'local' planning applications, this is based on raw data which does not take into account any delays that might arise from matters outwith the control of the planning authority.
11.5 12.4
10.1 10.2
12.9 13.5 14.0 12.7 12.1 11.6 11.5 12.7 12.2
10.2 10.9 11.2
13.4 15.214.2
19.516.7 16.8 17.0
19.9
24.5
27.6 27.4
30.2
33.4
30.0
37.8
31.2
26.4 26.7
24.5
26.7
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
FY21/22
FQ4
FY22/23
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY23/24
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY24/25
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3 FQ4 FY25/26
FQ1
FQ2 FQ3
Ave no. of weeks to determine: Local (Excluding Householder) (<6 Month, <1 Year, <2 Year, All)
125
114
110
104
69
87
106
95
79
97
106
104
110
80
92
85
11
14
19
43
25
31
27
32
40
39
26
22
17
33
15
18
2
3
6
6
10
7
20
22
19
23
25
22
13
9
11
9
3
1
1
1
4
3
6
6
4
19
7
7
6
5
6
50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
FY21/22 FQ4
FY22/23 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY23/24 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY24/25 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
FQ4
FY25/26 FQ1
FQ2
FQ3
% Split: Local (excluding Householder)
(<6 Month, <1 Year, <2 Year, All)
< 6 months 6 months - 1 year 1 - 2 years Over 2 years