Do I need planning permission?

You don't normally need planning permission to work from home if it doesn't change the overall character of the house as a place to live, for example if you are just using a room as an office.

However, if you are busy enough that it changes the main purpose of the house from a home to a business, you are likely to need planning permission.

You should think about the following:

• will your home be used mainly as a private home?
• will your business result in a noticeable increase in traffic or people calling at your home?
• will your business involve any activities that would seem out-of-place in a residential area?
• will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create a nuisance such as noise or smells?

If you think you need planning permission you can apply online on the ePlanning Scotland website. If you live in a council house you should contact your local housing office.

See also: Definitions - curtilage, principal elevation and road.