Planning and building standards

We are moving - We will be moving offices on 21 June 2013.

 

Our new offices will be at:-

Stirling Council
Municipal Buildings
Corn Exchange Road
Stirling
FK8 2ET

Planning

The planning process is used to make decisions Rolled Planabout future
development and the use of land in our towns, cities and countryside. It decides where development should or should not happen. Planning also balances competing demands to make sure that land is used and developed in the long-term public interest. It regulates the use of land by granting or refusing planning permission. These decisions are made with reference to the council's Development Plan for the area.

You can find details of all applications submitted to the Council since 1999 via the Public Access service.

PLEASE NOTE:  There is currently an error on the Public Access Website when making a comment which states that we will not display your address.  This is incorrect.  We will not display your telephone number, email address or signature however your address will be shown.  This is currently with the company that set up the Public Access system to amend.  We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 brought about a radical change to the planning system in Scotland. Through this, the Scottish Government aims to deliver a modern planning system that is:

  • Efficient: up to date Development Plans are to be at the heart of an efficient system that provides certainty for users and local people;
  • Inclusive: local people will be more involved in the decisions that shape the development of their communities;
  • Fit For Purpose: with a clear sense of priorities and to address different issues in different ways, and
  • Sustainable: development should contribute to sustainable economic growth. Planning will deliver sustainable development, by ensuring development is in the right place and of the right quality.

There are three main parts to the planning process:

Development Plans

The development plan sets out the council's policies and proposals for the use of land in the area. It guides development to the most appropriate locations, whilst ensuring that the quality of the built and natural environment is protected. The plan also sets out how any new improved facilities, such as roads, schools and parks will be provided.

Under the new Planning Act, the Council is required to produce a Local Development Plan.

Development Management

This is the term used for describing whether to grant or refuse planning permission. Planning permission is needed for many forms of development, ranging from installing a satellite dish to building a new housing estate. The planning service deals with around 1000 applications a year. You can learn more about the process of making a planning application, viewing applications online and commenting on applications.

Enforcement

If something is built without planning permission, or if conditions attached to planning permission are not followed, the council can use enforcement powers to regularise the situation. Enforcement is important in ensuring that everyone stays within planning law and the conditions of their planning permission. Learn more about enforcement matters in  the Council's Enforcement Charter.

In association with the above, the planning service also has a number of specialists who are concerned with Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings, Archaeology, Landscape Architecture and Tree Preservation.

Modernising Planning

The planning system in Scotland was subjected to the introduction of significant changes on the 3rd of August 2009. These include changes to application types, neighbour notification being undertaken by councils, ways in which applications are processed and the rights of appeal. View a summary of the main changes.

Planning Aid for ScotlandPAS Logo

Planning Helpline: 0845 603 7602; www.planningaidscotland.org.uk

Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) is an independent organisation which offers a free (subject to eligibility) and impartial planning helpline. Advice is provided by volunteers all of whom are qualified planners. PAS also offers a series of planning information sheets online.

PAS works across Scotland to improve public engagement in planning and delivers a range of training and education programmes.

Further Information

Further information on the planning system in Scotland can be obtained from the Scottish Government. An easy to read guide to the Scottish Planning System is available.

If you are considering employing a Chartered Architect or Chartered Architectural Technologist, you may find the following links useful. The RIAS is the professional body for all Chartered Architects in Scotland, similarly the CIAT is the only qualifying body for Architecture Technology and represents over 700 Chartered Architectural Technologists and Architectural Technicians in Scotland.

A pre-requisite of grant funding for housing purposes is the engagement of a Conservation Accredited Architect. The Stirling Society of Architects, a chapter of The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland can offer advice if you are considering accessing public grant funding from Historic Scotland or any other conservation body.

Building Standards

The purpose of Building Standards is to ensure that building work on both new and existing buildings meet reasonable standards.  The intention of the standards is to:-

  • Secure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of persons in and around buildings.
  • Further the conservation of fuel and power
  • Further the achievement of sustainable development.

We fulfil two roles in this context:

Firstly as verifier to protect the public interest where applications for Building Warrant to construct, alter, extend, convert, provide services, fittings or equipment to buildings or demolish buildings have been or about to be made.

Secondly to enforce building legislation in respect of building work carried out without approval and to ensure public safety in respect of dangerous and defective buildings through enforcement processes.

Further information…