Planning A to Z
A :
B :
C :
D :
E : F :
G :
H :
I : J : K :
L : M
N :
O :
P : Q :
R :
S :
T : U : V :
W : X : Y : Z
A
Access - Formation of
See Permitted Development.
Advertisement Consent
If you want to erect advertising hoardings or put up illuminated signs, then it is likely that you will need to apply for permission from us. This permission is known as 'Advertisement Consent'. However, not all signs will require you to make an application.
Agricultural Development
All new buildings will require some form of application to us. Some types of development may not require express planning permission but you might have to submit an agricultural notification. A Guide to Farm Diversification and Planning permission in Scotland is available as an explanatory guide.
Alterations to Buildings
You may need Planning Permission, Listed Building Consent or Building Standards approval.
Ancient Monuments
You need special permission from Historic Scotland, not the Council, to carry out work affecting an Ancient Monument or even its setting. More detailed advice is available from the Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust. Planning and Transportation keep a register of Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments.
Appeals (Planning, Advertisement, Listed Building, Conservation Area Consent, Certificate of Lawful Use or Development and Enforcement)
Appeals are dealt with by the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals. Information on making your planning appeal is available from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals web site.
Application Forms
You can download application forms and more information is available from Development Control.
Archaeology
See Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust or Ancient Monuments.
Article 4 Directions
We may use these to take away certain Permitted Development rights. This normally only done in Conservation Areas.
B
Biodiversity
Many animals and plants are protected by law and require special care. If you are in any doubt, check with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) or Development Management before you carry out work - for instance all wild birds and some native animals are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. To find out more we have prepared guidance on planning and biodiversity for householders and developers.
Block Plans
See Location Plans.
Building Preservation Notice
We can serve a notice to protect a building, for a period of six months, which is under imminent threat of demolition or alteration to let Historic Scotland consider a request for spot listing.
Building Standards Approval
You may require Building Standards approval for building works even if planning permission is not. More information and contact details can be obtained from Building Standards. A Building Standards Explanatory Booklet is available from the Scottish Building Standards Agency web site, or by contacting Planning and Building Reception.
C
Certificates of Lawfulness for Existing or Proposed Use or Development (CLDs)
You can apply for a CLD to establish the 'lawfulness' of either an existing or a proposed development.
Change of Use
Planning permission is usually required if you want to change the use of a building or land, for example from a barn to a house or from part of a field to extend your garden.
See also Planning Permission and Use Classes Order.
Committee
See Committee Decisions.
Conservation Area Consent
If you want to demolish an unlisted building in a Conservation Area you are likely to need Conservation Area Consent. Application forms for downloading and guidance notes plus more information is available from Development Control.
Conservation Areas
These are areas that are recognised to be of special architectural or historical interest. We have 34 of them in Perth & Kinross and ideally we want to protect the quality of these areas and if possible to improve on their special qualities. From time to time we might work with Historic Scotland and/or the Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust to improve buildings and the environment within a Conservation Area. If you are going to be doing work to trees this would require advance notification (see Trees in Conservation Areas). You may need Conservation Area Consent if you want to demolish a building in a conservation area.
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 is the primary piece of Government legislation relating to Conservation Areas. For more information, see the Conservation Areas page.
Conservatories
See Permitted Development.
Consultations
There are several statutory consultations which we need to do but these will depend on the type of application. We would normally ask for the opinion of the Senior Engineer in Development Control on roads and some drainage issues, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on some flooding matters, Scottish Water on drainage and sewage matters, Environment Services if it's possible that there might be noise or smells caused by the development and Environment Services if there are trees on the site.
D
Delegated decisions
Applications relating to householder and many other minor developments are delegated to the Head of Planning who may grant or refuse planning permission and related consents, irrespective of objections, where the proposal satisfies the policies contained within the Development Plan.
Demolition
If you intend to demolish a Listed Building or an unlisted building within a Conservation Area or a house or building attached to a house there are special procedures that you should follow.
Departure Procedure
Before we can approve planning permission for departures from the Development Plan we must notify the Scottish Executive.
Development Management
The processing of planning applications and regulation of development is carried out by Development Management. For more information, see the Development Management pages.
Development Control Committee
See Committee Decisions.
Development Plan
These are statutory land use plans which set out the policies and proposals for the protection of the environment and provision of new development. The approved Development Plan for Perth & Kinross consists of the approved Structure Plan and six Local Plans (Eastern Area Local Plan, Highland Area Local Plan, Kinross Area Local Plan, Perth Area Local Plan, Perth Central Area Local Plan and Strathearn Area Local Plan).
When we make decisions on applications for planning permission, we must consider the Development Plan policies that are relevant to the application and then other material considerations.
An application for development that is acceptable in terms of Development Plan policies will be given planning permission unless there are other overriding reasons why it should be refused.
For more information, see the Material considerations page.
For more information, see the Development Plan and Policy pages.
Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals
The Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals (formerly the Scottish Executive's Inquiry Reporters Unit) deals with planning, listed building and enforcement appeals. They also conduct inquiries into local plans. Appeal forms and further advice can be obtained directly from the Direcorate of Planning and Enviornmental Appeals.
Dormers
See Permitted Development.
Driveways
See Permitted Development.
E
Enforcement of Planning Control
The majority of people work within the planning system and seek the necessary planning consents before commencing development. However, we do get complaints about development taking place without planning consent or contrary to a condition of a planning consent.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
The process by which information about the likely environmental effects of major projects is gathered, evaluated and taken into account by us in considering whether or not planning permission should be granted. Environmental Impact Assessment: A Guide to Procedures is available from the Communities and Local Government website.
Extensions
See Permitted Development.
F
Facelift Schemes - Buildings
We promote facelift schemes for shops and offices in some areas, for example George Street, Perth and Blairgowrie. Grants are sometimes available.
Fees for Planning Applications
You will have to pay fees for most applications before they can be determined. Fees are set by the Scottish Government and are the same nationally. Cheques should be made payable to Perth & Kinross Council. See the current scale of fees.
Fences
See Permitted Development.
Forestry
You may need to apply to Planning and Transportation for permission to carry out works to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), Trees in Conservation Areas or Trees Covered by Planning Condition.
If you want to fell trees, you may need permission from the Forestry Commission Scotland. You can get this permission with a Felling Licence. You can apply for a licence from any Forestry Commission Scotland Conservancy Office.
General enquiries
Forestry Commission Scotland
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT
Find with multimap
Local office enquiries
Perth and Argyll Conservancy
Algo Business Centre
Glenearn Road
Perth
PH2 0NJ
Find with multimap
The Forestry Commission's Register of new Planting and Felling Applications can be seen at Planning and Transportation reception.
Full Planning Permission
You will need this is if you want to make a change of use, or to carry out operations or works, including the construction of buildings, where you do not want to apply for Outline Planning Permission. Application forms for downloading and more information are available from the Development Management planning forms and guidance page.
G
Garages
See Permitted Development.
Grants
Historic Scotland may be able to offer grants for works to Grade A or B Listed Buildings and occasionally other Listed Buildings within Conservation Areas.
See also Facelift Schemes.
Green Belt
An area designated in principle by the Structure Plan and in with indicative boundaries in the consultative draft Perth Local Plan to which special planning policies will apply.
Greenhouses
See Permitted Development.
H
Hardstandings
See Permitted Development.
Hazardous Substances Consent
If you will be using or storing hazardous materials above a certain quantity, Hazardous Substances Consent will be required. A list of these materials and the permitted quantities is set out in the Planning (Hazardous Substances)(Scotland) Act 1997.
Historic Buildings
See Listed Buildings.
Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes
Since the 1980s, there has been a national record of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. This record, known as the Register of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland and now containing nearly 1450 sites, was established, and is maintained by, Historic Scotland. There are 34 entries in the register for Perth & Kinross.
Historic Scotland
Historic Scotland is the Government's statutory adviser on all matters concerning the conservation of Scotland's Historic built environment including Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments and also Designed Gardens and Historic Landscapes. Historic Scotland may be able to offer grants for works to Grade A or B Listed Buildings and occasionally other Listed Buildings within Conservation Areas.
Contact details - headquarters office
General enquiries by mail:
Head Office
Historic Scotland
Longmore House
Salisbury Place
Edinburgh
EH9 1SH
Find with multimap
General enquiries by
Enquiries by department Listed buildings and listed building consent
Historic Buildings Repair Grants
Ancient Monuments and Scheduling
House Alterations & Extensions
See Permitted Development.
Huts
See Permitted Development.
I
Inquiry Reporters Unit
The Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals (formerly the Scottish Executive's Inquiry Reporters Unit) deals with planning, listed building and enforcement appeals. They also conduct inquiries into local plans. Appeal forms and further advice can be obtained directly from the Direcorate of Planning and Enviornmental Appeals.
General enquiries by mail
Scottish Government
Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals
4 The Courtyard
Callendar Business Park
Callendar Road
FALKIRK
FK1 1XR
Find with multimap
J, K, L
Land Ownership
See Ownership
Listed Buildings
Historic Scotland prepares statutory lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest (Listed Buildings). Because of their importance they are protected by special controls and Listed Building Consent must be obtained before you start any work (whether internal or external) which might affect the character of the building. These controls also apply to most boundary walls and outbuildings. You can see the statutory list at Pullar House or by using Historic Scotland's online Listed Buildings database search facility.
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1997 is the primary piece of Government legislation relating to Listed Buildings.
For more information, see our Listed Building page.
Location Plans
Four copies of a plan of the surrounding area should accompany every application that you make at not less than 1:1250 scale showing the site to which it refers and its boundary. Ordnance Survey plans can be purchased from the Ordnance Survey or their agents.
M, N, O
Ordnance Survey Plans
See Location Plans.
Outline Planning Permission
If you only want to know whether planning permission would be granted in principle for building work (without going to the expense of preparing detail drawings), you should make an application in "outline". This must be in enough detail to indicate the size and form of the development and it will help if you can provide us with as much information as possible. If outline permission is granted, a second application will have to be made to approve the details (this will be the application for Reserved Matters). Application forms for downloading and more information are available from Development Control.
Ownership
Approval under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 does not by itself enable you to go ahead with your proposal. You may also need a Building Warrant. Other aspects of Scottish law may also control the development. You should always check your title deeds for restrictions and make sure that you are not interfering with any rights that your neighbour might have. If in doubt it is in your best interest to seek further advice from your agent or solicitor.
We do not keep records of private land ownership. For registered land, these are held by Registers of Scotland.
General enquiries by mail
Erskine House
68 Queen Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4NF
Find with multimap
or
9 George Square
Glasgow
G2 1DY
Find with multimap
Textphone users can contact Registers of Scotland on 0845 607 0168 (local rate)
P
Planning Applications
You may search our lists for details of recently submitted planning applications. Once you have searched the list and found the relevant application number, you will be able to make on line comments on a specific application or alternatively you can email your comments to make representations about applications. You can also send your comments by letter to the Head of Planning.
See also Planning Permission and Permitted Development.
Permitted Development
Not all development needs planning permission. The Town & Country Planning General (Permitted Development) Order 1992 sets down certain classes of development which the Order "permits" (subject to certain limitations) and therefore does not need the submission of an application. Things like garages, conservatories, extensions, sheds, fences, walls, driveways and satellite dishes may not need planning permission.
Planning Obligations (Section 75 Agreement)
This is a legal agreement between us as the planning authority and a landowner. Planning obligations may be used to:-
- restrict the development or use of the land in a specified way
- require specified operations or activities to be carried out on the land
- require the land to be used in any specified way
- require a sum or sums to be paid to the authority on a specified date or dates or periodically
They provide a means of ensuring that a developer contributes towards the infrastructure and services that we believe are necessary to allow their development to go ahead. Contributions may be either in cash or kind.
Planning Obligations are also used by us to provide, for example
- Affordable housing
- Require infrastructure (roads, sewers) elsewhere to be provided
- Require land to be provided as open space or to provide equipment for playgrounds
- Require sums to be paid for the offsite infrastructure or the long term maintenance of open space
Planning Permission
Most new building works and many changes of use require planning permission. This can apply to small changes such as fences, sheds, conservatories and greenhouses as well as bigger projects such as extensions or new houses. Application forms for downloading and guidance notes plus more information are available from Development Control.
See also Planning Applications and Permitted Development.
Planning Register
Part I of the planning register contains copies of applications which have not had a final decision (whether by the Local Authority or on appeal to the Scottish Ministers). Part II of the register contains copies of determined applications. Both registers may be viewed at Planning and Transportation reception. Alternatively you can view applications online.
Porches
See Permitted Development.
Publicity for Planning Applications
The applications we receive each week are made up into a "weekly list" and copies are sent to Councillors, Community Councils, other people or groups who have let us know they want to receive the list (you have to pay for this). In addition the owners and tenants of neighbouring land have to be notified by the applicant. Certain categories of application have to be advertised by us in a local paper. This is normally the Perthshire Advertise on a Friday. The time periods for comment can be found by using this link.
Q, R
Reserved Matters - Application For
Where outline permission has been granted you may, within three years of the outline approval, make an application for the outstanding reserved matters. Note that an application for reserved matters always refers to an Outline Planning Permission of the same development. If you wish to change in any way the earlier outline approval, then a new application for Full Planning Permission must be made. Application forms for downloading and more information are available from Development Control.
S
Satellite Dishes
Dishes for the reception of satellite television need consent if they are to be attached to listed structures, front a road in Conservation Areas or exceed certain size and positioning limitations.
Sheds
See Permitted Development.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
This is the Scottish Executive's advisor on matters such as flood warning, waste regulation, water quality, and water resources.
General enquiries by mail
SEPA Corporate Office
Erskine Court
Castle Business Park
STIRLING
FK9 4TR
Find with multimap
There is a
local office for the Perth & Kinross area
SEPA
Strathearn House
Broxden Business Park
Perth
PH1 1RXFind with multimap
Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish Natural Heritage promotes the conservation of Scotland's wildlife and natural features. It was set up by the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 and is a statutory body funded by the Scottish Executive.
General enquiries by mail
Edinburgh Offices
12 Hope Terrace
Edinburgh
EH9 2AS
Find with multimap
2 Anderson Place
Edinburgh
EH6 5NP
Find with multimap
There is a local office for the Perth & Kinross area
SNH
Battleby
Redgorton
Perth
PH1 3EW
Find with multimap
Scottish Planning Policy (SPPs)
These guidance notes are published by the Scottish Government and will be taken into account by us when determining applications for planning permission, advertisement consent, listed building consent or conservation area consent. Scottish Planning Policy documents are available at the Scottish Government web site.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
These areas are designated by Scottish Natural Heritage. They represent the best sites for wildlife habitats, geological features and landforms in the country. Notification as an SSSI is primarily a legal mechanism to protect sites that are of particular conservation interest because of the wildlife they support, or because of the geological features that are found there.
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
Designated by the Government under the EC Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. They are intended to ensure that rare, endangered or vulnerable habitats and species of Community interest are either maintained or restored to a favourable conservation status.
Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
Designated by the Government under the European Commission Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds. They are intended to protect the habitats of rare, threatened or migratory bird species.
Spot Listing
Procedure whereby Historic Scotland can be asked to consider adding a building to the statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest (Listed Buildings).
Sustainable Development
Land use planning has a central role in promoting sustainability in Perth & Kinross and amongst all sectors of the community. This will involve us in reducing resource use and moving towards using resources which are renewable rather than finite. In other words treating the earth as if we intended to stay. More information can be found by going to the Scottish Government's web site.
T
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
The main piece of legislation which sets out the framework for Development Planning and Development Management in Scotland. The Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 will amend this Act.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
Made under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 by the local planning authority to protect trees of importance for amenity, landscape and nature conservation. Approval from us is required for felling or pruning a tree subject to a TPO. Applications must be made in writing giving details of tree species, a plan of its location and the nature of the work to carried out. There are some exceptions - for example when a tree is dead, dying or dangerous and action needs to be taken quickly for safety reasons. In these instances you can get further advice by contacting Development Control or Environment Services' Trees and Woodland team on 01738 475282.
Trees in Conservation Areas
The law requires that anyone planning to cut down or carry out work to a tree in a conservation area must give the Council six weeks notice of their intention to do so. Notification must be made in writing giving details of tree species, a plan of it's location and the nature of the work to carried out. There are some exceptions - for example when a tree is dead, dying or dangerous and action needs to be taken quickly for safety reasons. In these instances you can get further advice by contacting Development Management or Environment Services' Trees and Woodland team on 01738 475282.
Trees Covered by Planning Condition
When planning permission is granted for land containing trees, it is not unusual for a condition to be imposed requiring the Council's consent prior to undertaking works to those trees. Application must be made in writing giving details of tree species, a plan of its location and the nature of the work to be carried out. There are some exceptions, for example when a tree is dead, dying or dangerous and action needs to be taken quickly for safety reasons. In these instances you can get further advice by contacting Development Management or Environment Services' Trees and Woodland team on 01738 475282.
If you wish to fell trees, you may need permission from the Forestry Commission.
U, V, W
Use Classes Order
Certain changes of use do not need permission as they are not defined as development in planning law in other words they do not needing planning permission. Uses have been grouped into 'use classes' so that changes within a use class do not need planning permission. In some cases additional rights exist for changes between the classes without permission.
X, Y, Z
