What needs planning permission

Demolition requirements

Demolition of buildings and walls within Conservation Areas will require Conservation Area Consent unless exempt.

Exemptions within Conservation Areas

Exemptions include: 

  • buildings under 115 cubic metres
  • gates, walls, fences, or railings less than 1m high near roads or open spaces
  • gates, walls, fences, or railings less than 2m high (if not near roads or open spaces)
  • temporary buildings (except for mining operations)
  • industrial buildings built since 1914
  • buildings where demolition is authorized by Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Acts, or Housing (Scotland) Acts 

Exemptions outwith Conservation Areas  

Demolition of buildings outside Conservation Areas will reqiure Prior Notification unless exempt under Class 70 of the General Permitted Development (Scotland) Order 1992 (as amended).  

Making an application

Applications can be made online

A "which form?" wizard and planning fee calculator are available on the national eplanning website. 

ePlanning Scotland

Development Management

Processing of planning applications, and advice on the need for planning permission

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800