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Planning - Permitted Development (Domestic and Non-Domestic)

 

PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THESE IMPORTANT CHANGES
 
As of Monday 6 February 2012, new legislation came into place which allows for certain domestic extensions and alterations to take place without the need for planning permission. For a brief summary of the changes, please see the City Council's and the Scottish Government's guidance notes:

For full details of the amended regulations, please see:

Members of the public with queries about the changes should contact the Development Management Team on 01224 523470 or pi@aberdeencity.gov.uk


Introduction

Information on what Permitted Development rights are and how they apply to Planning Permission in Aberdeen City.

Certain types of development can be carried out without the requirement to apply for planning permission. Development which falls into this category is known as permitted development. Permitted development rights cover a wide range of developments which includes can include those carried out by householders, farmers and foresters, and developments by statutory undertakers. Statutory undertakers include a variety of utility and infrastructure providers such as gas and electricity providers, Aberdeen Airport, Aberdeen Harbour Board, Network Rail, the Crown and telecommunications operators.

Permitted development rights are defined in legislation by the The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(Scotland) Order 1992 which is often referred to as the GDPO. The order has been amended several times since 1992 and therefore it is advisable to contact us to determine whether or not permitted development rights apply to your development.

More information on the GDPO is available in Scottish Office Circular 5/1992

Permitted Development Rights for Dwellinghouses

If you are carrying out external work on a detached, semi-detached or terraced house, you can make certain minor changes or construct small extensions to your home without applying for planning permission. The GDPO also allows the installation of micro-generation equipment such as solar panels or wind turbines under certain conditions.

Removal of Permitted Development Rights

In some areas of the city such as within conservation areas or Kingswells, permitted development rights have been revoked by the Council under Article 4 of the GDPO. This is in order to ensure minor developments do not gradually harm the character and visual appearance of the area over time or affect the amenity of existing residents. Permitted development rights can also be removed by planning condition when approval is granted for a new development. These conditions often apply to developments which were approved several years ago and therefore it is advisable to contact us to determine whether or not permitted development rights apply to your development.

Permitted Development Rights for Flats

There are very little permitted development rights for flatted properties, including 4-in-a-block properties, tenements or sub-divided properties. If you live in this type of property you will need planning permission for any extension or external alteration, including the installation of replacement windows which differ from the existing windows, the formation of a driveway, re-roofing and any development within the garden area. However you may install a fence or wall under certain circumstances.

Advertisements and Signage

The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (Scotland) Regulations 1984 allow particular types of illuminated and non-illuminated advertisements and signs to be erected without advertisement consent.

For further information and help please contact us: 

 

Contacts

  • Development Management Team
    Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure
    Aberdeen City Council
    Business Hub 4
    Marischal College
    Broad Street
    Aberdeen
    AB10 1AB
    Phone: 01224 523470
    Fax: 01224 523180
    Email: pi@aberdeencity.gov.uk