Certificates of Lawfulness for Short-Term Lets in the Scottish Highlands

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

The Four-Year and Ten-Year Rules in Scotland’s Planning System

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

Planning Objections and Representations in Scotland: Supporting, Objecting to and Commenting on Development Proposals

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

What is NPF4? A Guide to Scotland’s National Planning Framework

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

Welcome to the New Planning.scot Website

Welcome to our new website, which is now live and continuing to take shape. Please bear with us as we populate the site with additional content, resources and information over the coming weeks and months. We have a range of articles and guidance planned covering Scotland’s planning system, planning applications, planning policy, Certificates of Lawfulness, … Read more