Planning and land

Current report

Read the latest building standards performance report:

Contact us

If you'd like more information about the annual performance report, contact us:

The Annual Performance Report for Building Standards:

• explains our building standards service's vision and priorities
• measures our performance against agreed goals and targets
• shows how we deliver verification services (services that assess building warrant applications and confirm compliance with building regulations)
• helps us identify opportunities to improve our service.

We provide this report as part of the national performance framework for verifiers (Scottish Government website).

Our aims

To grant building warrants and accept completion certificates:

• to secure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of persons in and about buildings and others who may be affected by buildings or matters connected with buildings
• furthering the conservation of fuel and power
• furthering the achievement of sustainable development.

Our vision and values

To provide a professional and informative service to all our customers.

Our commitments

Nationally, all local authority verifiers will:

• seek to minimise the time it takes for customers to obtain a building warrant or an amendment to building warrant
• ensure continuous improvement around the robustness of verification assessments to ensure compliance
• meet and seek to exceed customer expectations
• carry out local customer satisfaction research such as surveys and focus groups
• address feedback obtained through local and national customer satisfaction research (including National Customer Satisfaction Survey) to improve customer experience
• provide accurate financial data that is evidence based
• engage and participate in partnership working at local and national level to identify and embed service improvements at a national level
• adhere to a national annual performance report outlining our objectives, targets and performance
• fully adhere to the commitments outlined in this charter (including information on customer dissatisfaction) in relation to building warrant processing timescales, processes and technical interpretation
• ese a consistent format for our continuous improvement plans.

Our targets

KPO1 Targets

• 95% of first reports (for building warrants and amendments) issued within 20 days - all first reports (including BWs and amendments issued without a first report)
• 90% of building warrants and amendments issued within 10 days from receipt of all satisfactory information - all building warrants and amendments (not including BWs and amendments issued without a first report)

KPO2 Targets

• Targets to be developed as part of future review of KPO2

KPO3 Targets

• National customer charter is published prominently on the website and incorporates version control detailing reviews (reviewed at least quarterly)
• 95% of BSD requests for information on a BSD 'Verifier Performance Reporting Service for Customers' case responded to by verifier within 5 days

KPO4 Targets

• Minimum overall average satisfaction rating of 7.5 out of 10

KPO5 Targets

• Building standards verification fee income to cover indicative verification service costs (staff costs plus 30%)

KPO6 Targets

• Details of eBuilding Standards to be published prominently on the verifier's website
• 75% of each key building warrant related process being done electronically; Plan checking; Building warrant or amendments (and plans) being issued; Verification during construction and Completion certificates being accepted

KPO7 Targets

• Annual performance report published prominently on website with version control (reviewed at least quarterly)
• Annual performance report to include performance data in line with KPOs and associated targets (annually covering previous year e.g. April 2016 - March 2017)

More information

Read more about national information on verifier performance (Scottish Government website).

The National Customer Charter for Building Standards explains the minimum level of service you can expect from building standards teams across Scotland. It describes the standards that all local authority building standards verifiers (organisations that check and approve building warrant applications) should meet. It helps make sure customers receive a high-quality and consistent service across Scotland. 

The charter explains:

• the aims of the building standards service
• the commitments local authority verifiers make to customers
• national performance targets
• where to find information about verifier performance.

View a list of recent building warrant applications

View a list of building warrant applications

You can view a list of recent building warrant applications that have been submitted in Renfrewshire.

This will show you an application’s important information, including:

• reference number
• data valid
• description
• address
• applicant
• agent
• value of work.

Search the building standards register

Search the building standards register

If you're looking for an older application, you can search for any building warrant application and other associated applications in Renfrewshire using a few different methods, depending on how much information you have.

Simple search

Use this option to search if you already know an application’s:

• reference number (shown on any correspondence we’ve sent related to an application)
• postcode
• address.

Advanced search

Use this option to search by more specific information, including:

• the applicant’s details
• status of the application and any appeals
• important dates throughout the application’s progress
• and more.

This option also allows you to search more generally. For example, if you want to know what applications have been submitted in a particular area over a period, you can select Ward from the drop-down list and enter the date range you’re interested in. This will show you all the applications submitted in that specific area within that date range.

Map search

Use this option to search for applications on an interactive map.

Using the Zoom in and Zoom out tool will highlight any properties which have planning applications in that area. Using the Change what you see on the map tool allows you to filter by date rate and application type.

We’re responsible for inspecting sports grounds and issuing safety certificates under the:

• Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 (legislation.gov.uk).

A safety certificate helps make sure spectators can use a sports ground or stand safely.

You need a safety certificate if your sports ground either:

• can hold 10,000 or more spectators
• has a covered stand that can hold 500 or more spectators.

We can issue certificates for:

• a sports ground
• a regulated stand (a covered stand that meets the legal criteria for certification)
• changes to an existing sports ground certificate
• changes to an existing regulated stand certificate.

The general safety certificate covers specified sporting activities at the ground or stand. If you want to hold a different type of spectator event, such as a concert, you may need a special safety certificate.

You can apply if you own, manage or are responsible for a sports ground or regulated stand in Renfrewshire that requires certification.

You can also apply to amend, revise, replace or transfer an existing safety certificate.

Make sure you have all the information and supporting documents needed for your application. We'll provide more information once you contact us.

Contact us to find out how to apply for a safety certificate or a special safety certificate:

We'll review your application and any supporting documents you submit. We may carry out an inspection where required. 

The time it takes us to assess and approve your application depends on:

• the quality of the information you provide
• whether you submit all required supporting documents
• the complexity of the application. 

Providing complete information at the start will help us process your application more efficiently.

Appeal a decision

If we refuse to issue a certificate for a regulated stand, or close a ground because of safety breaches, you have the right to appeal. Appeals must be made to the Sheriff Court by summary application (a legal process used to ask the court to review a decision). 

You must submit:

• appeals relating to a general safety certificate for a regulated stand within 28 days of the notification date
• appeals relating to a special safety certificate within 7 days of the notification date.

Send your appeal to the Sheriff Court by post to:

If we refuse to issue a certificate for a sports ground, you can appeal to the Scottish Government.

The current fees are:

• £1,750 for a new safety certificate
• £1,010 to amend, revise, replace or transfer a safety certificate where an inspection is required
• £336.25 to amend, revise, replace or transfer a safety certificate where an inspection is not required.

You must get permission from the council before using a raised structure under Section 89 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (legislation.gov.uk).

A raised structure is a temporary platform or similar structure that people use or occupy during an event.

Examples include:

• temporary grandstands at sporting events
• stages at concerts and public events, including trailers used as stages
• circus structures
• media platforms.

Our building standards team assesses applications, inspects structures and issues consent for approved raised structures.

You can apply if you're responsible for erecting, managing or using a raised structure for an event in Renfrewshire.

You must obtain permission before the structure is used. Using, or allowing others to use, a raised structure without council approval is an offence and may result in a fine.

You must provide these supporting documents with your application:

• a design certificate signed by a structural engineer
• a detailed plan of the structure at a scale of 1:100
• elevations (drawings showing the structure from the outside)
• cross-sections (drawings showing the structure as if it has been cut through)
• a specification describing the size and type of materials used
• details of escape routes, including passageways, gangways and seatways
• details of stairs, including rise, going, pitch and handrails.

Providing complete and accurate information will help us assess your application more quickly.

Apply for permission to use a raised structure

Make sure you submit all required supporting documents and pay the application fee when you apply. We will not process your application until we've received the correct fee in full.

We'll assess your application and review the information you've provided. We may contact you if we need more information.

Before the structure is used

Once the structure has been erected, a Certificate of Completion of Erection and Inspection of a Raised Structure must be signed by a competent person with experience of constructing this type of structure.

Contact us

If you have any questions about your application, contact us:

The standard application fee is £413.44. 

For local gala days and similar community events, we may decide not to charge a fee. Each case is considered individually.

We will not process your application until we have received the correct fee in full.

Before you start building work

Contact us before you start building work if you're unsure whether you need a building warrant.

We can also help with building standards services and any of the forms on this page.

If you've submitted a paper application, you can speak to us about converting it to an online application.

Forms, applications and guidance

Building warrant fees

View the current building warrant fee scale before you apply.

Apply for a building warrant

Apply for a building warrant

Guidance for building warrant applications

Our guidance notes explain:

• what information you need to provide
• application fees
• where to submit your application
• what happens after you apply.

Tell us when work starts

Once we've approved your building warrant, you must tell us when work will begin.

Submit your notice before work starts and no later than 7 days after work begins.

Submit a notice regarding the start of work

Electrical certificates

If your project includes new electrical installations or alterations to an electrical circuit, you'll need to provide the correct certification and supporting documents.

Amend a building warrant

If you need to change approved plans after we've issued your building warrant, you must apply to amend it before carrying out the revised work.

Request a completion certificate

When building work is complete, tell us so we can carry out a final inspection.

Request a completion certificate

Use an approved certifier

An approved certifier of construction (a professional authorised to certify that specific work complies with building regulations) can certify certain elements of building work.

Apply for temporary occupation or use

If you need to occupy or use a building before we accept your completion certificate, apply for temporary occupation or use.

Request a property enquiry service

Use our property enquiry service if you need:

• copies of building warrants
• copies of completion certificates
• approved plans
• letters of comfort (documents that record our view on unauthorised building work)
• site inspection information
• confirmation that a building warrant was not required
• details of outstanding charges relating to a dangerous building notice.

Request a property enquiry service

Extend a building warrant

Building warrants normally remain valid for 3 years from the approval date.

If you’ve not completed the work within that period, you can apply for an extension. You should apply before the original validity period ends.

Apply to extend the validity of a building warrant

Apply for a Section 50 licensing certificate

You may need a Section 50 licensing certificate when applying for a new premises licence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

Apply for a Section 50 licensing certificate

Submit a completion certificate for work carried out without a building warrant

Use this process if building work has already been completed without a required building warrant.

You should always obtain a building warrant before carrying out work that requires one.

Finalise design details

Use this form to certify contractor-designed elements of a project.

Apply to use a raised structure

Use this service if you need consent to use a raised platform structure under section 89 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

Apply for consent to use a raised structure

Contact us

Contact us if you need help with building standards services or any of the forms on this page:

If you've submitted a paper application, you can speak to us about converting it to an online application.

Use this guide to find building warrant forms, guidance and related building standards services.

We recommend that you submit building warrant applications through the eDevelopment Scotland portal (edevelopment.scot) where possible.

A building warrant is legal approval that allows you to carry out building work that must comply with building regulations. Building regulations set standards for areas such as safety, energy efficiency and accessibility.

You may need a building warrant before you:

• build a new property
• extend or alter an existing building
• convert a building for a different use
• carry out certain structural work (work that affects the building's stability or strength).

Not all work needs a building warrant. Some types of work are exempt from the requirement. Check the Scottish Government’s building standards policy (Scottish Government website) to find out whether your project needs a building warrant.

You can apply for a building warrant yourself, or you can ask an agent to apply on your behalf. This could be:

• an architect
• an architectural technologist
• a civil engineer
• a structural engineer
• another construction professional acting for you.

We recommend using a qualified professional to prepare and submit your application.

Check whether you need a building warrant

Not all work needs a building warrant. Some types of work are exempt from the requirement. Check the Scottish Government’s building standards policy (Scottish Government website) to find out whether your project needs a building warrant.

Any work that does not require a warrant must still comply with building regulations where these apply.

Contact us if you have any questions:

Prepare your plans and documents

You'll need to submit plans and supporting information with your application.

For domestic properties, provide 2 sets of plans.

For non-domestic properties, provide 3 sets of plans.

The information you provide should follow the requirements set out in the Scottish Government’s building standards policy (Scottish Government website).

Apply for a building warrant through the eDevelopment Scotland website.

Apply for a building warrant (eDevelopment Scotland website)

When you apply, you'll need to:

• complete the online application form
• upload your plans and supporting documents
• pay the correct application fee.

Once we've received a valid application, we'll:

• register your application
• give you a reference number
• assign a building standards surveyor to your case.

If your application meets building regulations, we'll approve it.

If we need more information, we'll send you a report explaining what changes or additional information you need to provide. You'll need to update your plans and resubmit them before we can approve your application.

If your application is invalid, we'll write to you to explain why and tell you what you need to do to submit a valid application. 

We aim to respond to most building warrant applications within 20 working days. We'll deal with all applications within 35 working days.

In the unlikely event that we do not respond to your application within 35 working days, please contact us:

You also have the right to email the Scottish Government’s building standards division at buildingstandards@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

If your building warrant is approved

We'll send you an approval pack containing:

• your building warrant
• approved plans
• a commencement of works form
• a completion certificate submission form
• a construction compliance notification plan (CCNP) (a document that explains which stages of construction we need to inspect). 

You must tell us when construction reaches the inspection stages listed in the CCNP. Please give us at least 3 days' notice so we can arrange an inspection.

When the work is complete, a relevant person must submit a completion certificate. By signing the completion certificate, they confirm that the completed work complies with building regulations.

A relevant person is:

• the owner, tenant or developer carrying out the work themselves
• the owner, tenant or developer who has hired someone to carry out the work
• the owner, if another responsible party has not submitted the completion certificate when required.

Building warrants remain valid for 3 years from the date we grant them. If you cannot complete the work within that period, you can apply for an extension. We'll consider extension requests on a case-by-case basis.

You'll need to pay a fee when you apply for a building warrant. The fee depends on the value of the work you plan to carry out.

Building warrant fees are set by the Building (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (legislation.gov.uk).

You must use normal market rates when calculating the value of the work. We may check that you've paid the correct fee. 

You may qualify for reduced fees if you:

• submit a certificate from an approved certifier of design (a professional approved to confirm that certain parts of a design meet building regulations)
• state that you'll use a certifier of construction (a professional approved to confirm that construction work meets building regulations) to support your completion certificate.

You will not pay a fee if you're altering or extending an existing home to meet the needs of a disabled person. This exemption only applies to qualifying work on an existing home.

What building standards are

Building standards help make sure building work in Scotland is safe, accessible, energy efficient and sustainable. They apply to new buildings and many types of work to existing buildings.

The building standards system is set out in the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 (legislation.gov.uk) and the building regulations made under that act.

Building standards aim to protect the:

• health of people who use buildings
• safety of people in and around buildings
• welfare and convenience of building users
• environment through energy efficiency and sustainable development.

What a building warrant is

A building warrant is legal permission to carry out certain types of building work.

You’ll usually need a building warrant before you start work if you plan to:

• build a new building
• extend an existing building
• alter an existing building
• convert a building for a different use
• demolish a building.

You must have a building warrant before starting any work that requires one.

Starting work without a required building warrant is an offence. We may take enforcement action, and the missing warrant could cause problems if you sell or transfer the property in the future.

We’ll assess your application against Scotland’s building regulations. If your proposal meets the requirements, we’ll issue a building warrant.

Apply for a building warrant

Other permissions you may need

A building warrant is separate from other approvals.

Depending on your project, you may also need consents such as:

• planning permission
• approval under fire safety legislation
• licences or other statutory consents (legal permissions required by law).

Contact us if you’re not sure what consents you need or if you have any questions:

More information

Find out how to:

• apply for a building warrant
• download other forms and guides, such as competition certificates and other consents.

Give us your feedback about our building standards service (smartsurvey.co.uk).

View these resources from the Scottish Government:

• building standards guide (gov.scot website)
• building standards customer journey (gov.scot website).

This guide explains what building standards are, what a building warrant is, and some other permissions you may need.

The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) supports locally developed place-based regeneration projects that involve local communities.

The funding helps to tackle inequalities and deliver inclusive growth in deprived, disadvantaged, and remote communities across Scotland.

Expressions of interest

The RCGF is now open, and we are accepting expressions of interest from local community groups and third-sector organisations.

If you have an eligible project and are interested in applying, apply directly to us using the online form below. 

The deadline for expressions of interest is Monday 27 July 2026 at 5pm.

Local community groups and third-sector organisations who have capital projects which can start or have contracts in place during the 2027 to 2028 financial year can submit an expression of interest.

The fund is a capital expenditure fund. Capital funding can be used to purchase, build, or upgrade fixed assets such as land and buildings.

While the fund is not intended for projects that solely focus on housing, it can support unlocking vacant and derelict land or buildings for future housing development where it forms part of a wider place-based community regeneration project or programme.

Examples of projects

Previously funded projects have:

• supported or created jobs
• refurbished and brought back into use historic and landmark buildings
• created business spaces
• supported community facilities and services across Scotland.

What you cannot use the funding for

You cannot use it for feasibility studies, early design costs, or future running costs. 

It is not a primary source of funding for:

• major infrastructure projects relating to transport
• purchase of moveable infrastructure, such as furniture and fittings
• projects relating solely to hotel or retail developments
• projects that focus solely on public realm improvements or new or upgraded roads and paths – however, these may be eligible if they are elements within a wider regeneration project which will produce economic and social outcomes
• flood protection works or upgrades.

You can apply for up to 100% of project costs. There’s no set minimum amount.

Previous Renfrewshire-based projects have been awarded RCGF grants from £150,000 to £1,000,000. 

However, projects that demonstrate match funding are more likely to be considered for RCGF funding. 

Outcomes and priorities

You’ll need to demonstrate that your project:

• fits with the aims and objectives of the fund
• has clear regeneration outcomes in line with the Scottish Government’s Achieving a Sustainable Future strategy and local area regeneration plans

Local regeneration plans include:

• the Renfrewshire Development Plan
• Our Renfrewshire Community Plan
• Renfrewshire's Economic Strategy
• Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero
• Renfrewshire’s Centre Strategies.

The priorities of your project should:

• primarily focus on areas that have high levels of deprivation and disadvantage
• demonstrate clear community involvement
• deliver large scale transformational change with strong regeneration outcomes
• encourage additional investment and address market failure
• help achieve net-zero targets
• demonstrate deliverability – your designs and plans should be advanced, with a design team, delivery programme, clearly defined timescales, and a cost plan in place.

Expression of interest form

On the expression of interest form, you’ll need to tell us:

• if you meet the eligibility for the funding
• your details and contact information
• details about your project including aims, community involvement, benefits, and net-zero targets
• how much funding you’re applying for
• how much your project will cost
• details of any match funding
• details of design work or required consents
• any relevant documents such as evidence of tenure, project plans or drawings, feasibility studies, business plans, or photographs.

Complete and submit an expression of interest online:

Submit an expression of interest

We’ll evaluate and score all expressions of interest and will let you know of the outcome on Wednesday 5 August 2026.

Stage 1 bids 

If your expression of interest meets the eligibility criteria and is agreed by the Council’s Corporate Management Team (CMT), we’ll recommend you prepare a second expression of interest for a Stage 1 project proposal and we’ll submit it to the Scottish Government for you. 

You cannot apply directly to the fund.

Stage 2 bids

If your Stage 1 bid is successful, the Scottish Government will invite you to submit a full Stage 2 application.

While we can offer advice, we do not have the resources available to help you complete a Stage 1 or Stage 2 application. 

Therefore, you should consider if your group or organisation will have the administrative capacity to complete a Stage 1 or Stage 2 application before you submit an expression of interest.

If you’re awarded funding

If your project is recommended for and offered funding, you must use it within the next financial year. 

You cannot carry it over to the following financial year. The grant offer may be withdrawn if the timescales are not met.