Material considerations
What are material considerations?
Any consideration which relate to the use and development of land can be a planning consideration. Whether it is 'material' depends on individual circumstances. When dealing with planning applications, we think that the following matters are material planning considerations and may be relevant
- our plans and policies
- Scottish Government planning policy - Acts, Circulars, Scottish Planning Policy etc
- effects on an area such as availability of infrastructure, density, layout, siting, design and external appearance of buildings, means of access, car parking, landscaping and overall impact
- effects on individual buildings such as overlooking, loss of light, overshadowing, visual intrusion, noise and disturbance
- effects on a specially designated area or building (e.g. conservation areas and listed buildings) particularly the design of buildings and how they relate to their surroundings. The Executive has placed great emphasis on the importance of good design. This helps promote sustainable development, improve the physical and financial attractiveness of an area and creates a sense of pride and belonging
- planning history of the site
- desire to retain/promote certain uses
What matters are not material considerations?
Certain matters are not normally material planning considerations and will not be taken into account by us when we decide on a planning application. These include
- precedent
- loss of view to individuals
- identity of the applicant or occupant (unless there are strong compassionate or other personal grounds)
- unfair competition
- breach of covenants and private property rights
- devaluation of property
- moral and religious issues
- matters which relate to other regulatory regimes such as Building Standards or Health and Safety
- matters which relate to safety or disruption during construction
We will make planning decisions in the public interest. The planning system does not exist to protect the private rights of one individual over another.
Planning permission goes with the land and very rarely relates to an individual. In some circumstances, a temporary or personal permission may be justified, though such measures are used sparingly.
Above all, it is important for us to maintain consistency in taking decisions to ensure adopted policies are protected and public confidence is maintained.
