Permitted development rights

Before you negotiate a lease, buy a property for your business or change your present use, you should check whether you need planning permission.

Building and land classes

Buildings and land are grouped into 11 classes depending on how they are used. We have written a guide to the different classes used in Scotland. 

Go to planning application documents

Buildings and land without a class

There are many uses of buildings or land that do not fall into a particular class. They are known as 'sui generis' and are assessed on a case by case basis. 

Changes of use within the same class

If the use of a building or land is changed, but the new use falls within the same class, then planning permission is not needed. This is unless this right has been previously removed. 

This also applies to subdividing a non-residential premises if its use stays within the same class.

Changes of use to another class

Some buildings and land can change class without planning permission, unless this right has been previously removed.