Updating permitted development rights in response to cost and
climate challenges.
New measures to simplify the planning process for zero and low
carbon technologies will help homeowners and businesses save
money and reduce their emissions.
Permitted development rights grant permission for certain
developments through legislation, meaning they can be undertaken
without a planning application. They remove the costs associated
with submitting applications and reduce administrative burdens on
planning authorities. Legislation that will further update these
rights has now been laid before parliament following a
consultation last year.
People who live in conservation areas, including those in cities,
will be able to more easily alter or replace their windows to
improve the energy efficiency of their homes. They will also be
able to install solar panels on certain parts of their property
without a planning application for the first time.
Limits on the power output of panels on non-domestic buildings
will be removed, allowing business owners to install more of them
without needing to apply for planning permission. Businesses with
solar canopies in their carparks will be able to use the energy
they generate for purposes such as providing energy for
buildings, in addition to powering electric vehicle chargers.
Planning Minister said:
“The Scottish Government wants to make it easier and cheaper for
homeowners and businesses to respond to the challenges posed by
the cost of living and climate crises, including by reforming how
the planning system works.
“That was the focus of the most recent phase of our ongoing
review of permitted development rights, and the package of
measures brought forward reflects the responses to our public
consultation and constructive engagement with partners.
“Streamlining the planning process for zero and low carbon
technologies is also consistent with the strong climate focus in
the National Planning Framework 4, which was adopted last year.
People will save money and the environment will benefit if we
make it easier to install renewable energy equipment on homes and
business properties.”
Scotland Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses
Andrew McRae said:
“We’re delighted to see the introduction of this legislation,
reflecting the campaigning FSB and others have been doing on the
issue for some time. Small businesses are very much aware of the
role they have to play in tackling the climate emergency. At a
time when the cost of doing business crisis is making it harder
for businesses to stay afloat, measures to reduce energy costs
will come as a great help for smaller firms.”
Background
The Town and Country
Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment
Order 2024
The statutory instrument was laid in the Scottish Parliament on
Thursday 28 March 2024. Subject to parliamentary scrutiny, the
changes are expected to come into effect on Friday 24 May 2024.
Permitted Development
Rights review - phase 3: consultation analysis
