Planning and building work

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

This section looks at how you may be affected if the council, Scottish Government or other authority, or your neighbours or a private company are carrying out building or development work in your area. If you're opposed to the work, you may be able to put a stop to it. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation. This section applies to both home owners and tenants.

The planning system is currently undergoing some changes, to allow people and communities to become more involved in the planning process. You can find out more at the Scottish Government website.

Objecting to building work

If your neighbours, the local council or any other private or public developer are applying for planning permission to carry out building work in your area, you have the right to comment on their plans. Your opinion will be taken into account when the council's planning department decides whether or not to grant planning permission for the project. Read more 

Public developments

This page explains your options if the council, Scottish Government or other public authority is planning development work near your home. It looks at compensation you may be entitled to, and what you can do if you want to move away. Your course of action will depend on how badly your home is likely to be affected. Read more 

Rent reductions

If you're a tenant, it may be possible to get your rent reduced if the accommodation you're renting has been badly affected by a new development in your area. However, this will depend on the type of tenancy you have. Read more