Securing planning permission can, depending on the nature of the proposal, require a significant volume of plans, reports and other supporting information. However, obtaining permission is not always the end of the planning process. Receiving planning permission is an important milestone, but it does not necessarily mean that work can begin immediately. Further information may … Read more
Scotland’s planning system is governed by legislation and the statutory development plan, but these are not the only documents that applicants, Planning Authorities and decision-makers may require to consider. Planning legislation can be detailed and technical. It may establish the legal framework for a procedure without explaining every aspect of how that procedure is intended … Read more
If you have been researching planning enforcement, Certificates of Lawfulness or unauthorised development in Scotland, you have probably come across references to the “four-year rule” and the “ten-year rule”. These terms are still widely used by property owners, developers, solicitors and planning professionals. However, the current legal position in Scotland is more complex than many … Read more
Many people assume that every development project requires planning permission. In reality, some forms of development can be carried out without planning permission, while some existing uses and developments may already be lawful even though planning permission was never obtained. In these situations, a Certificate of Lawfulness can provide formal confirmation of a property’s planning … Read more