Householder permitted development rights are granted to allow private householders to carry out certain small-scale developments to their houses and gardens and in limited circumstances, to flats without having to apply for planning permission.  These rights are written to protect the amenity of neighbours and the character of our conservation areas whilst still allowing some limited development without the need to apply.

Changes to Permitted Development Rights

The rules governing whether a development is 'permitted' or not are changing as a result of new Scotland-wide regulations which come into force on 6th February 2012.

The new permitted development rights can be viewed at the Scottish Government website The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2011.

These changes have been introduced by the Scottish Government and are intended to make it easier for people to make alterations to their homes by reducing the number of situations where an application for planning permission is required.  It also means that planning authorities can free up their resources and concentrate on more significant planning matters which can often have much wider impacts than those associated with alterations to domestic properties.

Some of the key changes are outlined below, although please be aware that if you house is in a conservation area the new rights do not apply and you will need to apply for planning permission.

If your property is a listed building or the development proposed is within the curtilage of a listed building, different regulations apply.

Key Changes:

• The new rules aim to provide more generous permitted development rights for rear extensions and free-standing buildings
• A new concept of 'principal elevation' is used to judge when planning permission is needed
• There are separate rules for decking, porches and access ramps
• A 1 metre 'bubble' allows alterations such as solar panels and satellite dishes to be added without the need to apply for permission, provided it is not in a conservation area
• For the first time, the new rules allow for limited alterations to a roof of a house
• There are limited permitted development rights for flatted properties

Is the advice I've previously been given still valid?

If you have been told that works are permitted development and they have not started before 6th February 2012, or will not be completed by the 31st August 2012, they may need to re-assessed.  Please contact your local planning office.

Where can I find out more information?

To find ou if your proposal is permitted development, please complete a Householder Pre-application advice form. Alternatively, you can contact your local area planning office or on 01546 605518.