About planning permission

Not all development needs planning permission. Some small alterations and extensions can be carried out without this. This is called 'permitted development'.

New permitted development rights for householder development came into force on 6 February 2012. The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2011 sets out new rules for when planning permission is needed if you want to make alterations or extend your house.  A circular with full working details is also available.

The main changes include;

• The principal elevation will be used to judge when planning permission is needed
• There will be separate rules for decking, porches and access ramps
• There will be some limited permitted development rights for flatted properties
• There will be a 1m 'bubble' around the house or flat which means you will not need permission for satellite dishes or solar panels
• There will be more generous permitted development rights for extensions

              BUT

• There will be more control in conservation areas so all development apart from small huts and areas of decking will require planning permission.

If you have been told that your works are permitted development and they have not started before 6 February 2012, they may need to be re-assessed.  Please contact the planning helpdesk.