From 6 February 2012, important changes will be introduced that affect how householders can alter or extend their property without the need to apply for planning permission.
All development requires planning permission; however, certain forms of development may be carried out as 'permitted development'. This happens when the development meets criteria set out in legislation and does not need a specific grant of planning permission.
Councillor Margaret Toner, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for planning issues, explained: "As part of the reforms and modernisation of planning in Scotland in recent years, the Scottish Government has amended the permitted development rights for householder development.
"This means that, from 6 February, householders wanting to carry out certain developments to their home will no longer need to apply for planning permission, which will make it much easier and quicker for them to get to work on making the changes they want.
"The changes will also – in the longer term – help reduce the number of applications our planning service has to deal with overall, which in turn will have a positive impact on the turnaround times for the proposed developments that do still require to go through the application and consideration process."
Under the new regulations, householders – in certain circumstances – will be able to develop garden ground of up to 50% of the area of either the front or rear curtilage. It will also permit, within defined limits, the erection of porches and access ramps as well as dormers on rear elevations, without the need for planning permission.
For the first time, flatted residential properties will have permitted development rights. However, these will be limited to alterations including, for example, the erection of a satellite dish. In the interests of amenity, the new permitted development rights will not extend to properties within conservation areas or in some cases within the curtilage of a listed building.
It is anticipated that the new regulations will result in a decrease in the amount of householder developments requiring planning permission; however, an increase in the number of enquiries regarding permitted development rights is anticipated in the first instance.
Local architectural agents have been made aware of the changes to the planning system.
Further information can be found at http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/documents/planninghouseholderdevelopment.pdf or by contacting the planning service on 01292 616 107.
Circular 1/2012: Householder Permitted Development Guidance on Householder Permitted Development Rights