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 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 which would seem out-of-place in a residential area?
• will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create 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.