ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN

What exactly is planning permission? Simple- it means asking the council to allow you to carry out major building construction, whether self build or renovation. Even if you own the property, the council has the final say on what you can build on it, and how. Do you need planning permission for your home project? If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you probably do.

• Am I self-building?

• Am I making a ‘major’ change to an existing house, more than a small alteration- i.e. an extension or changing the use of the building?

• Is the property listed or in a conservation area?

Some properties may already have planning permission in place, so be sure to check. You can also apply for planning permission on a piece of land before you buy it, as long as you inform the owner. This can be a good idea, because if your application is refused, you may be paying for a parcel of land or a building contract that doesn’t meet your needs.

And if you go rogue and plough ahead without obtaining the right paperwork, the council can order you to tear down what you just built!

• You should obtain planning permission as soon as possible, because the procedure takes time.

• Before submitting your application, speak with a planning officer at your local authority. If there are any potential problems or limitations you need to be aware of, they will let you know.

• You can save some hassle by asking your architect, solicitor or builder to submit the planning application on your behalf.

www.edevelopment.scot is a great planning tool and resource