Permitted development rights to support the provision of new homes: consultation
We are consulting on potential measures to simplify planning processes and encourage the provision of new homes in rural areas and town and city centers. The consultation also includes options related to domestic air source heat pumps and heat network connections.
Closed
This consultation closed 27 October 2025.
View this consultation on consult.gov.scot, including responses once published.
Consultation analysis
Footnotes
1 Conversion only permitted if building was in agricultural or forestry use on or before 4 November 2019, to prevent new buildings being constructed solely for conversion to residential.
2 Use Class 1A covers:
(1) Use— (a) for the retail sale of goods other than hot food, (b) as a post office, (c) for the sale of tickets, (d) as a travel agency, (e) for the sale of cold food for consumption off the premises, (f) for hairdressing, (g) for the direction of funerals, (h) for the display of goods for sale, (i) for the hiring out of domestic or personal goods or articles, (j) as a laundrette or dry cleaners, (k) for the reception of goods to be washed, cleaned or repaired, where the sale, display or service is principally to visiting members of the public, and; (2) Use for the provision of— (a) financial services, (b) professional services, (c) any other services, which it is appropriate to provide in a shopping area and where the sale, display or service is principally to visiting members of the public.
3 Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – Research and Analysis – ASHP noise emissions, planning guidance and regulations: Air source heat pump noise emissions, planning guidance and regulations
Contact
Email: HousingEmergencyPDR@gov.scot