Hundreds of retro planning requests

More than 300 retrospective planning applications have been submitted to South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) since 2016.

Figures released under Freedom of Information laws revealed that 324 retrospective applications were submitted to the council between 2016-17 and 2018-19.

Retrospective applications can be costly for homeowners and developers if they are rejected or conditions are imposed which require them to alter completed builds.

Just six of the 324 were not approved in the last three years, however all 99 in 2018-19 were approved subject to any conditions.

The total number of planning applications made to SLC has fallen in recent years to 1799 in 2018-19 but the number of retrospective applications has remained fairly static.

East Kilbride was the worst offender with 111 retrospective applications since 2016 – including 36 of the 99 in 2018-19.

There were 85 in Clydesdale, 74 in the Hamilton area and 54 in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

Councillors have repeatedly brought up the issue at planning committee meetings but as Councillor Graham Scott (East Kilbride East) explains, it isn’t always black and white.

Cllr Scott, who was chair of the planning committee under the previous Labour administration, said:“nobody likes retrospective planning applications. There can be honest ones and there can be dishonest ones.

“The problems come by telling the difference between the two. Planning law is very, very complicated.”

Cllr Ann Le Blond (Cambuslang West) is the deputy leader of the Conservative group and she detailed why she felt the council had to work together.

She said:“it’s important people have confidence the planning process is fair.

“If there was a belief that others could ignore the rules and build anything, knowing they won’t be made to knock it down, then residents would rightly be furious.

“Of course the system does have to recognise there are times when someone has gone ahead without realising they need permission.

“In circumstances like that most people would think it reasonable that a retrospective application is considered on its merits.

“I’d certainly like to see fewer retrospective applications and I’d urge the administration to actively work to bring down the number being submitted.”

South Lanarkshire’s head of planning and economic development, Pauline Elliott, said:“a retrospective planning application is dealt with in the same way as any other application, in that it is determined on the merits of the case.

“Such applications can’t be refused on the grounds that the works have already been carried out.

“As with other proposals, planning conditions can be added to a retrospective consent, such as tree planting, drainage etc. which makes the development acceptable and reduces any impact.

“In cases where retrospective permission is refused, the council has powers to take enforcement action.”