It is important to consider whether your property lies within a Conservation Area or is a listed building. Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural or historical interest which require additional legislation to protect them. Go to the Conservation Areas page to find out if you live in one of East Lothian's 26 Conservation Areas and what work you will require planning permission for.

Buildings of special architectural or historic interest are 'listed' and are protected by particular legislation. Any work that affects the external or internal character of a listed building requires listed building consent. It is Historic Scotland who are responsible for the listing of buildings. However applications for listed building consent should be made to the Planning and Building Standards Division. To find out more about listed buildings or to check whether your building is listed go to the Listed Buildings page and click on the link to Historic Scotland's web site . Alternatively you can contact the Environment Division and we can inform you if your building is listed.