The Scottish Government Want Your Opinion

The Scottish Government’s Proposed Work Programme, and associated Sustainability Appraisal (SA) report, for reviewing and extending permitted development rights (PDR) in Scotland.

PDR is the term given to a Scotland wide planning permission set out in legislation* which removes the need to apply for planning permission.

Do you want to influence a change to PDR which would mean greater freedom to expand your farming business and the ability to build without planning permissions? The Scottish Government is asking for your opinion – so make sure you have your voice heard! 

Rural Scotland makes a vital contribution to our national economy. Brexit will have a significant impact on all of Scotland, not least to rural economies, so the government are taking action to secure the long-term sustainability of rural businesses and communities.  It has been noted that more young people want to stay in the areas where they grew up, but that more needs to be done to stem rural depopulation and attract more people to live and work in rural and island communities. They are therefore prioritising consultation on expanding PDR to further support the rural economy, the long-term future of Scotland’s farming sector, and the delivery of affordable homes in rural areas.

Agriculture and farming are important to the Scottish economy and options for the expansion of PDR could include changes relating to the size and scale of farm sheds, the development of polytunnels and the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential or commercial use. The majority of potential PDR changes are identified as having a significant positive effect on supporting the rural economy. 

Now is your chance to help to make a real change for rural development!

How can I comment on this Sustainability Appraisal?

The consultation on the Proposed Work Programme and SA runs for a 12-week period from 5 November 2019 until 28 January 2020. Have your opinion heard here: https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-communities/reviewing-and-extending-pdr/

How will responses be considered?

Following the consultation period, the consultation responses on the Proposed Work Programme and the SA will be analysed. Responses to the consultation will be taken into account in the identification of the PDR changes to be taken forward.

You can read the full report here: http://bit.ly/ScotGovPDR
*Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (Scottish Statutory Instrument 1992/223), as amended