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Planning permission

To alter, extend, build or change the use of premises you may need to apply for planning permission.

Planning applications are determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

We can provide informal advice, free of charge, for the following:

  • new housing, industrial and commercial developments
  • renewable energy developments
  • developments by community groups
  • developments affecting listed buildings or conservation areas
  • larger scale householder projects (such as two storey extensions)

Please send your requests to eplanning@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.

We do not provide pre-application advice for routine domestic extensions, alterations and outbuildings. In many cases, planning permission is not required for such work.

To find out if you need planning permission for your project, read the fully illustrated Scottish Government guidance.

Once you have checked the guidance, you can apply for planning permission (if needed).

If you consider that your project does not need planning permission and wish to obtain formal confirmation from the council, you may wish to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development.

It is recommended that you seek professional advice from an architect, architectural technician or planning consultant prior to submitting an application to ensure compliance with the required standards.

If you live in rented accommodation, including council housing, contact your landlord or local housing office to discuss your plans first. There is a separate permissions process for alterations to council housing - contact your local housing office for guidance.

Developer's guidance: drainage, sustainable drainage systems and flooding

Developers are encouraged to engage with the council as early as possible to ensure that plans are fully realised. Our Flooding Team has produced a developer's guide for developments that include:

  • the provision of sustainable drainage systems
  • notable surface water infrastructure
  • proposals at risk of flooding or likely to result in an increase in flood risk elsewhere

To discuss drainage, sustainable drainage systems, and flooding email our Flooding Team or call 01294 310000.

Permitted Development Rights - domestic

Not all alterations and extensions to domestic property need planning permission. Permitted Development Rights allow for a variety of extensions and alterations without the need to submit an application for planning permission. Rights include alterations such as:

  • single storey ground floor extensions
  • front porches
  • access ramps
  • replacement windows
  • low level timber decking
  • driveways
  • heat pumps
  • CCTV cameras

For information on domestic permitted development, see the Scottish Government website.

Other permissions

Other permissions may be required even if planning permission is not:

Permitted Development Rights – non-domestic, agricultural, forestry and commercial developments

There are other Permitted Development Rights which are set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (as amended).

Certificates of Lawfulness

Apply for a 'Certificate of Lawfulness for a Proposed Use' as written confirmation your development is 'Permitted Development'. This is a legal document for which there is a fee.

Planning decisions

Planning decisions are no longer accompanied by stamped drawings. The Decision Notice will list the particulars considered and determined, including a list of plans/drawings.

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