As a general guideline, if there is not already a building on a piece of land, then planning permission will be required to erect any new building on the site. If there is already a building and you wish either to extend it or erect another building on the same site then, in certain circumstances, planning permission may not be required. For example, you may be able to put up a low wall or fence, a garden shed or greenhouse, or a garage, without planning permission. You may be able to replace your windows without planning permission. You may also be able to extend your house, but the law relating to new buildings, extensions and alterations is fairly complex and there are limits on the size extension allowed as 'permitted development'. When you ask the Planning and Environmental Services Division whether your proposed extension requires planning permission, they will need to know:

• whether the house has already been extended
• the 'type' of house
• whether it is a flat, terraced, semi-detached or detached
• the size of your garden
• the size of the extension and of any previous extensions
• its position in relation to the existing house and boundaries of any adjoining properties
• its distance from any garage
• its position in relation to any roads or footpaths
• whether your property is in a Conservation Area, click here to find out
• whether your property is Listed. To find out more about listed buildings or to check whether your building is listed check Historic Scotland's web site.

A flat has no “permitted development rights”. Extending or altering its external appearance, including replacing or altering windows, always requires planning permission.