The average decision time in Scotland for major developments in 2016-17 was 37 weeks, six weeks slower than the average of 31 weeks in the previous year and the slowest annual figure since the start of data collection in 2012-13, according to Scotland’s chief statistician.

Major housing applications were decided in an average of 44.9 weeks, more than four weeks slower than the previous year’s 40.6 weeks.

However, local development decisions were quicker in 2016-17.

The average decision time for local developments in 2016-17 was 9.2 weeks, four days quicker than the average of 9.7 weeks in the previous year and the quickest annual figure since the start of data collection in 2012-13.

Local housing applications were decided in an average of 12.7 weeks, one week quicker than the previous year.