All applications need to be assessed in line with crofting law and the Crofting Commissions policy and procedures. To ensure applications are processed fairly and efficiently the Commission operate a model of delegated decision-making through a two-tier system. For more information on the scheme of delegation please visit Crofting Commission Scheme of Delegation
The Commission uses a set of criteria for each application type which are referred to as ‘parameters'. The parameters determine at which tier a decision on the application is taken.
Tier 1 If the application meets the parameters, (including that no objections have been received), the decision to approve the application is made at Tier 1. These are known as straightforward cases, where approval can be made by a casework officer. Tier 1 decisions are generally concluded more quickly and can be made on a daily basis.
Tier 2 If one or more of the parameters are breached, the case must be escalated to Tier 2. Tier 2 involves more senior members of Commission staff being involved in the consideration of an application and may take longer to conclude. Tier 2 meetings take place weekly.
Decisions made by the Board of the Crofting Commission (Board Decision)
More complex cases that require further in-depth consideration are made by the Board of Commissioners.
Two types of cases are decided by the Board of Commissioners:
This process involves the application being considered by all serving Commissioners, who have not declared an interest in an application, supported by the Commission Solicitor and Head of Regulatory Support. Consideration of regulatory applications at this level takes place at the closed session of a pre-arranged Board meeting or on an ad-hoc basis, if required.
It may be necessary, depending on the details and type of application to request Scottish Government Rural Payments Directive (SGRPID) to carry out a report on our behalf about technical aspect of the application.
It is responsibility of each applicant to familiarise themselves with an application, its associated guidance, parameters, and requirements before submission. This will help ensure the application is processed timeously and more likely to meet with Tier 1 parameters for approval.
The time it takes to process an application depends on a few factors including:
Typical timescales for different the different tiers
Tier 1 - 12-16 weeks
Tier 2 - 16-44 weeks
Board Decision - 22-71 weeks
Overall, the time it takes to process a croft application can vary depending on a number of factors. However, the Crofting Commission aims to process all applications as quickly as possible
Please below a more detailed explanation of the steps involved in processing and taking decisions on applications at the different tiers.
Tier 1 - Straightforward Case
Application Validity Checks
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Parameter Checks
NOTE - The case cannot move to the decision phase until the croft registration takes place.
Tier 1 Approval
Total time for case assuming no significant hold ups and that croft is already registered before reaching the decision stage aims to be within 16 weeks, however currently it may take significantly longer depending on the type of application. Currently a total time scale of up to 30 weeks is possible.
This may involve one or more of the following processes in addition to that of a straightforward case.
Objections
SGRPID Report
Tier 2 Decision
Total time for case assuming no registration issues can be up to 44 weeks. Where there are registration issues this timescale can be significantly extended.
If the case is to be escalated to the Board of Commissioners, then the information is compiled into a case paper to inform Commissioners' decision.
Decisions made by the Board of the Crofting Commission in closed session (Board Decisions)
Total time for case assuming no registration issues can be up to 71 weeks. Where there are registration issues this timescale can be significantly extended.