Updated 11 October 2026 Do you own or operate a holiday let in the Highlands? Are you unsure whether planning permission is required or have you been asked to demonstrate that your short-term let is lawful? We can review your property’s planning history, assess its eligibility for a Certificate of Lawfulness and prepare and submit … Read more
One of the most common phrases used within Scotland’s planning system is “material planning considerations”. Whether you are applying for planning permission, commenting on a development proposal or reading a Planning Authority’s decision notice, you are likely to encounter the term. Despite its importance, many people are unclear about what a material planning consideration actually … 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
When a planning application is submitted in Scotland, members of the public, community groups, businesses and other interested parties often have the opportunity to comment on the proposal. These comments are commonly referred to as representations. Representations can support a proposal, object to it or simply provide information that the Planning Authority may wish to … Read more
If you are considering a development project in Scotland, you may have come across the terms “planning permission” and “planning permission in principle”. While they sound similar, they are two distinct types of planning application and are used for different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you decide which route may be most appropriate for … Read more
What is NPF4 and Why Does it Matter for Planning Applications in Scotland? National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) is Scotland’s national planning policy document and forms part of the statutory development plan. This guide explains what NPF4 is, how it fits within Scotland’s planning system and how it influences planning decisions. If you are considering … Read more