Residents urged to check permissions
RESIDENTS living in Argyll and Bute’s conservation areas or in listed buildings are being encouraged to check with the council before going ahead with developments.
The area has 32 designated conservation areas, from Campbeltown to Tobermory.
Some small-scale plans, such as a building, shed or a boundary wall, will not need planning permission as they will come under ‘permitted developments’.
However, this is unlikely to apply to homes in conservation areas or to listed buildings, and people are reminded that they should get advice before doing any work.
Conservation areas are those that have been given protected status in order to preserve its natural features, cultural heritage and historic character.
Listed buildings will also need specific consent for any internal or external alterations if they affect the historic fabric of the building.
Councillor David Kinniburgh, planning spokesman, said: ‘In Argyll and Bute we are very proud of our beautiful towns and villages.
‘To keep our historic landscapes intact, we have guidelines for householders and businesses who live in conservation areas to assist with any proposed development.
‘Just as important to the landscape and character of Argyll and Bute are the 2,000 listed buildings we have across the area. They are a special part of our rich heritage.
‘That’s why anyone who wants to do work on a listed building needs special consent to ensure we all preserve this piece of history.
‘Please see the planning pages on our website at www. argyll-bute.gov.uk, which have full details of how to apply for permission.’
Anyone who does need planning permission can now use the council’s pre-planning application service, which has been improved to make it more streamlined and speedy.
Charges for the service will be levied from now for some development. There will be no fee for householder and small-scale development.
The website also has maps of all the conservation areas and residents can check whether their property is a listed building.
The conservation areas are in: Auchindrain, Bowmore, Campbeltown, Cardross, Clachaig, Cove and Kilcreggan, Crinan Canal, Cullipool, Dervaig, Dunoon, Easdale, Ellenbeich, Hill House, Helensburgh, Inveraray, Iona, Keills Jura, Kerrycroy, Kilmartin, Kilmoluaig, Lochgilphead, Lorn Furnace, Luss, Port Charlotte, Port Ellen, Portnahaven and Port Wemyss, Rhu, Rosneath, Rothesay, Tarbert, Tobermory, Toberonochy and Upper Helensburgh.