Do I need planning permission?

Most developments, which alter the external appearance of a property require Planning Permission, however there are some minor development works, including domestic extensions, which fall under ‘Permitted Development’ - which do not require a formal planning application as long as the proposal falls within certain restrictions.

How long will my planning permission last?

Planning permission lasts 3-years from the date of approval.

How does the planning process work?

Firstly the application will be checked to make sure the correct information has been submitted and a Case Officer is assigned to deal with the application. Your neighbours will then be notified of your application inviting them to submit their views – they have 21 days in which to respond, and it is possible that your application may be advertised in a local newspaper. The Planning Officer will seek specialist comments from the Roads & Traffic or Environmental Departments.

Following the notification period, the application site will be visited and negotiations may take place with you, or your agent to overcome any problems with your application. Senior Case Officers make most of the decisions on applications, however, some require to be made by Councillors at Planning Committee meetings. The Committee Members may decide to visit the site, or ask Officers to negotiate further before a final decision is made.

Once a decision has been made, the Local Authority will try to send out your Decision Notice as quickly as possible. If permission has been granted, it will set out any conditions which you have to comply with.

Can I change the design once planning has been approved?

Minor modifications can be made usually under a Non-Material Variation application, however, these can only be small and must not change the permission in any significant way. For more significant changes, an Amendment to Planning application will be required, and this essentially follows the Detailed Planning application process and timescales.

Do I need a building warrant?

You need to obtain a Building Warrant before you can carry out most types of building or demolition work. For the purposes of applying for Building Warrant Approval, the following are a list of works which would fall under the term "building work" :

1. The erection or extension of a building.

2. An alteration to a building (tenement alterations, attic conversions, garage conversions, etc)

3. An alteration involving work which will temporarily or permanently affect the building relating to structure, fire, or access to and use of building.

4. Work relating to a change of use of a building.

5. Sub-division of properties.

6. Work to drainage systems, boilers or other heated appliance, unvented hot water systems, mechanical ventilation systems, replacement windows and electrical work in dwellings.

How long does my building warrant last?

You have 3 years to complete the work from the date that the building warrant is approved. This can usually be extended via a building warrant extension application if necessary.

What is a completion certificate and do I need one?

The Completion Certificate formally confirms that the Local Authority has been able to ascertain that the work on-site complies with the current Building Regulations. This means that inspections will need to have been carried out by a ‘relevant person’ at the appropriate times, and that any problems found were rectified.

A completion certificate is required once the building warrant has been approved and the work has been carried out. It is the final stage in the building warrant process.

How much do local authorities charge for planning and building warrant applications?

The cost of the nature of the application, along with the size and build cost of the project. For the latest local authority fees, you can visit the ePlanning and eBuilding Standards websites below.

Click HERE to be redirected to ePlanning Scotland’s fee calculator.

Click HERE to be redirected to the eBuilding Standards’ fee calculator.