Changes to permitted development rights (PDRs) in Scotland, coming into effect today, could revitalise Scottish town centres.
That's according to commercial property firm Colliers, which argued the move is a breakthrough for town centres that have been struggling to regenerate due to planning constraints.
The new rules will allow shops - subject to restrictions - to be converted to office accommodation, restaurants or cafes without the requirement for planning permission.
Amends to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development and Use Classes) Scotland Order also update polices around outdoor furniture for cafes and restaurants, the installation of electric vehicle charging points, as well as further development at Scottish ports.
Holly Gillingham, associate planning director at Colliers, said: “In this post-pandemic world, these changes to legislation are an excellent step towards relaxing planning policy in Scotland and help revitalise town centres which need to change and modernise as the way that we all live and work has changed.
“The new PDRs will mean that some units that have previously been occupied as shops could change to professional services, office accommodation, new restaurants or cafes.
“While there are still some restrictions, this frees up local authorities to focus on larger scale planning applications and provides businesses and landlords with greater flexibility.”
Colliers noted that shops and buildings offering financial services or food and drink uses can now also be used for up to 300 sq m of office space without planning permission going forward.
However, the reverse is not true, so office premises cannot be converted to retail or food and drink uses without seeking approval from the local planning authority.
Food and drink uses will not be permitted in existing shop units if they are within one meter of an existing dwelling. This also includes flats located above existing shops or banks.
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