Planning rules consultation launches in Scotland

The Scottish Government is launching a consultation on potential measures to simplify planning processes and encourage the provision of new homes in rural areas and town and city centres.

Permitted development rights could be changed to make some small-scale residential developments easier, which would reduce costs and administrative burdens for developers.

Other changes could make it easier to install domestic air source heat pumps and to connect buildings to heat networks.

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “Making changes to permitted development could help to speed up and streamline the provision of new homes and help to tackle the housing emergency. 

“We are keen to hear views on options for introducing new permitted development rights, or amending existing ones, in relation to rural homes, town centre living and certain minor and uncontentious developments.

“As well as supporting housing delivery, the potential changes would let planning authorities focus their efforts more on assessing and making decisions on planning applications more swiftly.”