Planning permission can be a drawn-out and frustrating process, especially when you have a set idea of what you want to do to your home. While this can be the case, it is vital to make sure that you get the permission, as we have recently seen a Scots dad ordered to demolish a DIY sunroom or face a £50,000 fine.
Despite no complaints from neighbours, the dad, named James Bevis, has been told to take the £3,000 structure which he built himself down. While the Scots man has appealed, it has been rejected with a Scottish Government Reporter saying "Planning permission is therefore required for the building and in its absence the garage and sunroom represent a breach of planning control."
There are rules that determine what you can or cannot do to a property, even if you own it. Here are all of the basic facts that you may want to know about planning permission rules in Scotland.
When do I need planning permission?
According to the Scottish Government, you may need planning permission if you want to build something new or you want to make a major change to your building – like building an extension. You will also need permission if you want to change the use of your building or if your building is in a conservation area.
There are also rules around listed buildings, as they can not be significantly altered due to their listed status. You can check if you live in a listed building by checking Historic Scotland's listed buildings.
There are some cases where you will not need planning permission, such as building a shed, adding decking or building a gate as this can fall under permitted development which is for small building work. You are still as well checking, however, as what counts as permitted development can change from property to property - you may still need planning permission.
How do I apply?
You must submit an application, which you can do using the ePlanning Scotland website, detailing the project that you wish to carry out. Your application will be looked at by a Planning Authority with the aim to reach a decision within four months - or two months for local developments.
Their decision will be based on the following factors, according to the Scottish Government:
- the number, size, layout, siting and external appearance of buildings
- the infrastructure available – like roads and water supply
- any landscaping needs
- what you want to use the development for
- how your development would affect the surrounding area – eg if it would create lots more traffic
You should make sure that your application clearly covers all of these points as thoroughly as possible to make the Planning Authority's decision more straightforward.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You are able to appeal the decision if it has been rejected, and you can also appeal the decision if your plans are approved but with conditions placed that you do not agree with. You have to appeal within three months of a decision and can do so online through the ePlanning portal.
You will receive a response on your appeal within 21 days. A Scottish Government reporter may ask for an inspection of your site, further written documentation, a hearing session, or an inquiry session in order to reach a decision.
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