Published on:
13
February 2012
New rules have been introduced on home improvements which mean many of them can go ahead without planning permission.
However, the regulations relating to conservation areas and listed buildings have been tightened up.
The changes have been made by the Scottish Government and allow a range of works within certain constraints - including extensions, access ramps, sheds, garages and decking - to be built without applying for planning permission.
Until now, householders paid £160 when applying for planning permission. This fee did not always apply to houses in Conservation Areas, but the fee will now be payable in all cases.
Just over 40% of all applications are for planning permission on existing homes and these changes aim to remove up to a fifth of those from the planning system. In Clackmannanshire last year we received over 150 householder planning applications - under the new regulations this is expected to drop to around 120.
Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said: "The Government has removed, in certain cases, the need for householders to get planning permission. These new rules will make it easier for people to make changes to their homes, with the right safeguards for neighbours and for conservation areas and listed buildings.
"I would like to reassure local residents that our expert staff will continue to be available to provide advice on the need for planning permission. These changes will allow our planning staff to focus their attention on more complex developments."
More information about the changes is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/HouseholderPDR/Dwellings