Planning rules simplified in Scotland

Simpler new regulations have been introduced in Scotland making it easier for people to make changes to their homes.

This now means it will be easier to do certain home improvements such as build garages, extensions, decking and sheds, without needing to apply for planning permission. This should remove approximately 4,000 applications out of the system per year, and will affect any projects starting on site from today. There will still be restrictions covering conservation areas and listed buildings though.

Derek Mackay, planning minister for Scotland, says “These changes allow people to improve their homes more easily and save them money, while creating jobs for building companies and trades people.

“Planning has an important role to play in increasing sustainable economic growth, and these changes, removing in certain cases the need for householders to get planning permission, are a good example of this. They will also enable planning authorities to focus their attention on processing applications for larger developments.”