Planning permission is required for most development in Scotland except where there is deemed consent in place; this is described as “permitted development”. 

Works to the interior of buildings or which do not alter the appearance of a building usually do not require planning permission except where the building is listed (for historical or architectural reasons). It is important for anyone wanting to carry out any development to first check whether planning permission is needed.

Development that is carried out without planning permission or that is different to an approved consent is unauthorised and is considered to be a breach of planning control. 

Failure to secure planning consent disadvantages owners who later want to sell but do not have permission for a development that contributes to the value of their property. It is also denies the public an opportunity to express their view of what is proposed and it disadvantages the development itself because it is not subject to an assessment and review by relevant statutory consultees – a process which often leads to improvements in its overall quality and impact.

Planning authorities have powers to ensure planning controls are being followed and there are a range of options for taking formal enforcement action however this is a discretionary and often lengthy process and it is not appropriate in every case. In many cases the breach is not deliberate and a satisfactory outcome is secured through informal discussion and negotiation.

The main purpose of the enforcement and compliance section is to assist in the provision of an effective planning service and in the maintenance of planning control through the monitoring of conditions attached to planning permissions and investigation into reports of breaches of planning control.

There are a large number of conditions attached to the approximate 450 planning permissions granted each year in the National Park. The responsibility for compliance with the terms of the planning consent lies with the owner or developer. 

There are many new and ongoing enforcement inquiries and a priority system is used to direct resources to the most significant breaches in terms of public amenity and other material planning considerations. Some complaints, such as neighbour disputes over boundaries, relate to matters over which the planning service has no control over so they cannot be investigated further.   

If you believe that any building works, advertisement signage or use of land maybe unauthorised you are welcome to raise your concerns with the enforcement and monitoring team. We treat such information as confidential however we cannot guarantee total confidentiality as we are subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information ( Scotland)Act 2002).

You may phone to report a concern however it is most useful to receive the following details in writing, by letter, email or fax: