Cafes, bars and restaurants will be able to put tables and chairs on the pavement outside their premises without first obtaining planning permission, under changes expected to come in next month.
Business leaders have welcomed the relaxation of the rules - which is likely to be approved by MSPs - with the Scottish Retail Consortium saying it could “give people a little more reason to spend time and money on our high streets”.
Other measures likely to come in from 31 March include a relaxation of planning rules for converting some properties into cafes, restaurants or small-scale offices, along with measures to make the installation of larger electric vehicle charging equipment in car parks easier.
