SCT comments on proposed changes to permitted development rights

As part of its planning reform agenda, the Scottish Government published Householder Permitted Development Rights consultation paper. This consultation closed on 13 March 2009.

The objectives of these proposals are “to significantly reduce the number of applications for planning permission for minor householder developments while retaining an appropriate element of planning control. This will: allow householders to carry out more development to their home without having to apply for planning permission, and allow planning authorities to devote more of their resources to more significant issues such as development planning and processing applications for major developments” (Source: Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment).

It is anticipated that some 38% of “householder” planning applications would be removed from the planning system – almost 10,000 in total per year.

In considering these proposals, the Scottish Civic Trust was guided less by the need to reduce the “burden” on planning authorities and more on the implications that these proposals would have on local neighbourhood amenity. We were also concerned with the implications of such proposals on the special character of listed buildings and conservations.

The Trust’s comments can be found under “consultation responses” in the Publications section of our web site.