Do I need Planning Permission?
One of the first questions clients often ask when planning a home project is:
“Do I need planning permission?”
The short answer: not always.
The long answer: it depends on your home, your location, and the scale of what you’re proposing.
In Scotland, many small-scale home improvements can be carried out without formal planning permission thanks to Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) — a set of national rules that allow certain types of development without needing to submit a full planning application.
But the rules can be complex — and it’s important to understand the fine print before you begin.
When Does Permitted Development Apply?
Permitted Development can cover things like:
Single-storey rear extensions
Loft conversions with rooflights or dormers
Porches
Outbuildings like sheds or studios
Some windows or external alterations
However, what’s allowed depends on:
Whether your home is detached, semi-detached, or terraced
The size and height of the extension or alteration
Whether you’re in a Conservation Area
Whether your home is a Listed Building
Whether the proposed works affect the front elevation or public-facing areas
Key Things to Know
House type matters
Detached homes often have slightly more generous allowances. Terraced and semi-detached homes have stricter limits — especially in terms of how far you can extend to the rear or side.
Size and height restrictions
There are limits to how far you can extend (typically 3–4 metres to the rear, depending on house type), and how tall the structure can be (generally 4 metres max for single storey). Roof alterations, dormers, or garden rooms also have size restrictions.
Conservation Areas
If your property is in a Conservation Area, Permitted Development is often restricted or removed altogether. Even small changes like replacing windows or changing roofing materials may require planning.
Listed Buildings
If your home is listed, you will almost certainly need Listed Building Consent for any alterations — even internal ones — and likely planning permission too. Permitted Development Rights don’t apply to listed buildings.
Garden buildings
You can often build small sheds or garden rooms without planning — but the rules are more onerous if you live in a listed building or conservation area. It is always advisable to check with the local planning department or speak to an Architect.
Our Advice
Understanding whether you need planning permission is rarely straightforward. What’s allowed under Permitted Development can vary depending on past planning decisions, local guidance, or restrictions placed on your property.
At MDA Studio, we always start every project with a detailed check of your specific site — including planning history, location context, and current policies — so we can advise you clearly from day one.
Need help navigating the planning system?
Get in touch — we’ll guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions that save time and money.