How to check if you need planning permission
We know that many of the rules and regulations around planning permission can seem complicated, especially if you’re not familiar or experienced with the process. That’s why you should always contact us early in your project – before you’ve started the work – to check if you need planning permission.
Contact us to check if you need planning permission:
If you’d like to contact us by phone, our duty planner is available Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Other information about planning permission
What planning permission is
Planning permission means that we’ve given you our approval to move forward with a development project that requires our consent.
‘Development’ includes but is not limited to:
- constructing new buildings
- changing the use and appearance of existing buildings
- making other changes to the way land is used.
Find out more about how to apply for planning permission.
Permitted development
Some types of work are known as ‘permitted development’, which means you do not need planning permission for them.
Find out more about permitted development.
Guidance for residential properties
If your property is residential, download our householder development guidance. It includes rules and advice for different types of development projects, including:
- porches
- extensions
- dormer windows and roofs
- conservatories
- outbuildings, including garages and carports
- decking, terraces, and balconies
- boundary walls, fences, gates, and hedges.
It also includes other important information about the planning process, including guidance on preparing your proposal, rules about overshadowing your neighbours’ properties, and more.
Download the householder development guidance:
Get external advice
You may want to get external advice (advice that’s not from the council) about your planning proposal.
For example, Planning Aid Scotland offer free, impartial, and confidential advice on a wide range of planning issues, including:
- planning matters related to your own home
- planning issues in your local area
- how to represent yourself or engage the services of an appropriate professional.
If you’re not sure what to do
Asking us if you need planning permission is free. It’s better to contact us before you’ve started the work than to learn that there’s a problem later on.
Contact us to check if you need planning permission:
If you’d like to contact us by phone, our duty planner is available Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm.