Residents living in one of Argyll and Bute’s conservation areas or in a listed building are being encouraged to check with the council before going ahead with development.

The area has 32 designated conservation areas, from Campbeltown to Tobermory.

Some small-scale plans, such as a building, shed or for a boundary wall, will not need planning permission as it will come under ‘permitted development’.

However, this is unlikely to apply to homes in conservation areas or to listed buildings, and people are reminded that they should get advice before doing any work.

Conservation areas are those that have been given protected status in order to preserve its natural built features, cultural heritage and historic character.

Listed buildings will also need specific consent for any internal or external alterations if they affect the historic fabric of the building.

Policy Lead for Planning Regulatory Services, Councillor David Kinniburgh, said: “In Argyll and Bute we are very proud of our beautiful towns and villages.

“To keep our historic landscapes intact we have guidelines for householders and businesses who live in conservation areas to assist with any proposed development.

“Just as important to the landscape and character of Argyll and Bute are the 2000 listed buildings we have across the area. They are a special part of our rich heritage.

“That’s why anyone who wants to do work on a listed building needs special consent to ensure we all preserve this piece of history.

“Please see the planning pages on our website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk which have full details of how to apply for permission.”

Anyone who does need planning permission can now use the Council’s pre-planning application service, which has been improved to make it more streamlined and speedy.

Charges for the service will be levied from 1 August for some development. There will be no fee for householder and small-scale development.

The website also has maps of all the conservation areas, and residents can check whether their property is a listed building.

The conservation areas are in:

Auchindrain

Bowmore

Campbeltown

Cardross

Clachaig

Cove and Kilcreggan

Crinan Canal

Cullipool

Dervaig

Dunoon

Easdale

Ellenbeich

Hill House, Helensburgh

Inveraray

Iona

Keills Jura

Kerrycroy

Kilmartin

Kilmoluaig

Lochgilphead

Lorn Furnace

Luss

Port Charlotte

Port Ellen

Portnahaven and Port Wemyss

Rhu

Rosneath

Rothesay

Tarbert

Tobermory

Toberonochy

Upper Helensburgh