Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997

Part XIV S Miscellaneous and General Provisions

Application of Act in special cases S

262 Power to modify Act in relation to minerals. S

(1) In relation to development consisting of the winning and working of minerals or involving the depositing of mineral waste, the provisions specified in Part I of Schedule 18 shall have effect subject to such adaptations and modifications as may be prescribed by regulations.

(2) Such regulations F1 . . . shall be of no effect unless they are approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.

(3) Any such regulations shall not apply—

(a) to the winning and working, on land held or occupied with land used for the purposes of agriculture, of any minerals reasonably required for the purposes of that use, including the fertilisation of the land so used and the maintenance, improvement or alteration of buildings or works on it which are occupied or used for those purposes, or

(b) to the winning and working of peat by any person for the domestic requirements of that person.

(4) Nothing in subsection (1) or (3) shall be construed as affecting the prerogative right of Her Majesty to any gold or silver mine.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 262(2) repealed (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, arts. 1(2), 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 127(20), Pt. IV; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

F2 263 Application of certain provisions to planning authorities. S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 263 repealed (1.4.2007) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), s. 59(2), sch. (with S.S.I. 2007/176, arts. 1, 4); S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2(2), sch.

[F3 National Scenic Areas S

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 263A and cross-heading inserted (1.4.2007 for specified purposes, 26.11.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 50, 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2(2)(3), sch.; S.S.I. 2010/400, art. 2(1)(2)(b)

263A National Scenic Areas S

(1) Where it appears to the Scottish Ministers that an area is of outstanding scenic value in a national context and that the special protection measures specified in subsection (2) are appropriate for it, they may by direction designate the area as a National Scenic Area.

(2) Where any area is for the time being designated as a National Scenic Area, special attention is to be paid to F4 ... safeguarding or enhancing its character or appearance in the exercise, with respect to any land in that area, of any powers under this Act.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may issue guidance to a planning authority for the purposes of this section and that authority must have regard to any guidance so issued.

(4) In deciding whether to designate an area as a National Scenic Area, the Scottish Ministers are to take account of—

(a) whether the area is of outstanding natural beauty,

(b) the amenity of the area, including—

(i) whether it is of historical, cultural or environmental importance; and

(ii) the nature of any buildings or other structures within it, and

(c) any flora, fauna or physiographical features of the area, whether or not to any extent the product of human intervention in the landscape.

(5) Any designation under subsection (1) may be varied or cancelled by a subsequent direction.

(6) Before issuing a direction under subsection (1) or (5), the Scottish Ministers are to consult with—

(a) Scottish Natural Heritage, and

[F5 (aa) persons resident within, or adjacent to, the area of a proposed designation,

(ab) a community body (as defined by section 4(9) of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015) with an interest in the area of a proposed designation,]

(b) such other persons as are prescribed.

(7) The Scottish Ministers are to compile and make available for inspection free of charge a list containing particulars of any area which has been designated as a National Scenic Area.

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7), a list may be made available by electronic means.

(9) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision as to—

(a) the form of any direction under subsection (1) or (5),

(b) the manner in which a National Scenic Area is to be described in such a direction,

(c) the publicity to be given to any such direction, and

(d) other procedural matters in connection with the making of such a direction.

(10) Regulations under this section may make different provision for different purposes.]

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in s. 263A(2) repealed (1.12.2019) by Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 13), ss. 51(2), 63(2); S.S.I. 2019/385, reg. 2

F5 S. 263A(6)(aa)(ab) inserted (1.12.2019) by Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 13), ss. 51(3), 63(2); S.S.I. 2019/385, reg. 2

[F6 263B National Scenic Areas: report on consultation S

(1) Where in any year the Scottish Ministers have designated a National Scenic Area under section 263A(1), they must, as soon as practicable after the end of that year, prepare and publish a report on the consultation undertaken in regard to the designation.

(2) A report under subsection (1) must include—

(a) the ways in which views expressed by any person consulted under subsection 263A(6)(aa) and (ab) were taken into account by the Scottish Ministers before issuing a direction under section 263A(1) or (5), and

(b) how the Scottish Ministers intend to improve their consultation process before issuing any future such directions.]

Textual Amendments

F6 S. 263B inserted (1.12.2019) by Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 13), ss. 51(4), 63(2); S.S.I. 2019/385, reg. 2

Natural Heritage Areas S

F7 264 Natural Heritage Areas. S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F7 S. 264 repealed (29.11.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), s. 59(2), Sch. 7 para. 12(2) (with s. 55(2)); S.S.I. 2004/495, art. 2

[F8 National Parks S

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 264A and cross heading inserted (8.9.2001) by 2000 asp 10, s. 36, Sch. 5 para. 18 (with s. 32); S.I. 2000/312, art. 2

F9 264A National Parks S

In the exercise, with respect to any land in a National Park, of any power under the planning Acts, special attention shall be paid to the desirability of exercising the power consistently with the National Park Plan as adopted under section 12(7)(a) of the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 10).]

Textual Amendments

F9 S. 264A inserted (8.9.2001) by 2000 asp 10, s. 36, Sch. 5 para. 18 (with s. 32); S.I. 2000/312, art. 2

Local inquiries and other hearings S

265 Local inquiries. S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Minister may cause a local inquiry to be held for the purposes of the exercise of any of his functions under this Act.

(2) The Minister shall appoint a person to hold the inquiry and to report on it to him.

(3) Notification of the time when and the place where the inquiry is to be held shall be sent to any person who has lodged and has not withdrawn objections in relation to any matter in question at the inquiry, and shall be published in such newspaper or newspapers as the Minister may direct.

(4) Subject to subsections (5) and (6), the person appointed to hold the inquiry may, on the motion of any party to it or of his own motion, serve a notice in writing on any person requiring him to attend at the time and place set forth in the notice to give evidence or to produce any books or documents in his custody or under his control which relate to any matter in question at the inquiry.

(5) No person shall be required in obedience to such a notice to attend at any place which is more than 10 miles from the place where he resides unless the necessary expenses are paid or tendered to him.

(6) Nothing in subsection (4) shall empower the person appointed to hold the inquiry to require any person to produce any book or document or to answer any question which he would be entitled, on the ground of privilege or confidentiality, to refuse to produce or to answer if the inquiry were a proceeding in a court of law.

(7) The person appointed to hold the inquiry may administer oaths and examine witnesses on oath and may accept, in place of evidence on oath by any person, a statement in writing by that person.

(8) Any person who—

(a) refuses or wilfully neglects to attend in obedience to a notice under subsection (4) or to give evidence, or

(b) wilfully alters, suppresses, conceals, destroys or refuses to produce any book or document which he may be required to produce by any such notice,

shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 3 months.

(9) The Minister may make orders as to the expenses incurred—

(a) by the Minister in relation to—

(i) the inquiry, and

(ii) arrangements made for an inquiry which does not take place, and

(b) by the parties to the inquiry,

and as to the parties by whom any of the expenses mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) shall be paid.

(10) What may be recovered by the Minister is the entire administrative expense of the inquiry, so that, in particular—

(a) there shall be treated as expenses incurred in relation to the inquiry such reasonable sum as the Minister may determine in respect of the general staff expenses and overheads of his department, and

(b) there shall be treated as expenses incurred by the Minister holding the inquiry any expenses incurred in relation to the inquiry by any other Minister or Government department and, where appropriate, such reasonable sum as that Minister or department may determine in respect of general staff expenses and overheads.

(11) The Minister may by regulations prescribe for any description of inquiry a standard daily amount and where an inquiry of that description does take place what may be recovered is—

(a) the prescribed standard amount in respect of each day (or an appropriate proportion of that amount in respect of a part of a day) on which the inquiry sits or the person appointed to hold the inquiry is otherwise engaged on work connected with the inquiry,

(b) expenses actually incurred in connection with the inquiry on travelling or subsistence allowances or the provision of accommodation or other facilities for the inquiry,

(c) any expenses attributable to the appointment of an assessor to assist the person appointed to hold the inquiry, and

(d) any legal expenses or disbursements incurred or made by or on behalf of the Minister in connection with the inquiry.

(12) Any order of the Minister under subsection (9) requiring any party to pay expenses may be enforced in like manner as an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland.

(13) In this section, except where the context otherwise requires, “Minister” means the Secretary of State, or any other Minister authorised under this Act to hold a local inquiry.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 265 applied (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 10, ss. 36, 40(2) (with ss. 9(3), 10(5), 38(6))

C2 S. 265(2)-(13) applied (9.2.2005) by Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 2), ss. 11(6), 18(6), 20A(7) (as inserted (31.12.2016) by Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 18), ss. 83(4), 130(1) (with s. 128); S.S.I. 2016/372, reg. 2), 100(3) (with s. 100(2)); S.S.I. 2005/17, art. 2(a)

C3 S. 265(4)-(13) applied (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 10, ss. 19, 40(2), Sch. para. 6(4)-(6) (with ss. 9(3), 10(5), 31, 38(6))

C4 S. 265(4)-(13) applied by 1979 c. 46, s. 23A(3) (as inserted (27.2.2015 for specified purposes, 1.10.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Historic Environment Scotland Act 2014 (asp 19), ss. 21(2), 31(2) (with ss. 29, 30); S.S.I. 2015/31, art. 2, sch.; S.S.I. 2015/196, art. 2, sch.)

C5 S. 265(4)-(13) applied by 1979 c. 46, Sch. 1A para. 6(4) (as inserted (27.2.2015 for specified purposes, 1.10.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Historic Environment Scotland Act 2014 (asp 19), s. 31(2), sch. 2 para. 34 (with ss. 29, 30); S.S.I. 2015/31, art. 2, sch.; S.S.I. 2015/196, art. 2, sch.)

[F10 265A Planning inquiries to be held in public subject to certain exceptions S

(1) This section applies in relation to the holding of inquiries under section 265(1), paragraph 6 of Schedule 4, paragraph 5 of Schedule 6 or paragraph 8 of Schedule 7.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), at any such inquiry oral evidence shall be heard in public and documentary evidence shall be open to public inspection.

(3) If the Secretary of State is, or after consultation with the Secretary of State the Scottish Ministers are, satisfied in the case of any such inquiry—

(a) that giving evidence of a particular description or, as the case may be, making it available for inspection would be likely to result in the disclosure of information as to any of the matters mentioned in subsection (4), and

(b) that the public disclosure of that information would be contrary to the national interest,

he or as the case may be they may direct that evidence of the description indicated in the direction shall only be heard or, as the case may be, open to inspection at that inquiry by such persons, or persons of such descriptions, as may be specified in the direction.

(4) The matters referred to in subsection (3)(a) are—

(a) national security, and

(b) the measures taken, or to be taken, to ensure the security of any premises or property.

(5) The Lord Advocate may appoint a person to represent the interests of any person who—

(a) if a direction is given under subsection (3), will be prevented from hearing or inspecting any evidence at any such inquiry; or

(b) is so prevented by such a direction given before any appointment is made by virtue of paragraph (a).

(6) By rules—

(a) the Secretary of State may make provision as to the procedure to be followed by him before he gives a direction under subsection (3) in a case where a person has been appointed under subsection (5) and as to the functions of a person appointed under subsection (5),

(b) the Scottish Ministers may make provision as to the procedure to be followed by them before they give such a direction in such a case and as to such functions.

(7) If a person (the representative) is appointed—

(a) under paragraph (a) of subsection (5) and either no direction in relation to the evidence in question has been given under subsection (3) or any such direction so given has been given by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State may direct any person who he thinks,

(b) under paragraph (a) of subsection (5) and such a direction has been given under subsection (3) by the Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Ministers may direct any person who they think,

(c) under paragraph (b) of subsection (5) and the direction referred to in that paragraph was given by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State may direct any person who he thinks,

(d) under paragraph (b) of that subsection and the direction so referred to was given by the Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Ministers may direct any person who they think,

is interested in the inquiry, or prospective inquiry, in relation to a matter mentioned in subsection (4) (the responsible person) to pay remuneration or allowances to, and to reimburse any expenses incurred by, the representative.

(8) If the representative and the responsible person are unable to agree an amount payable by virtue of—

(a) paragraph (a) or (c) of subsection (7), the amount must be determined by the Secretary of State,

(b) paragraph (b) or (d) of that subsection, the amount must be determined by the Scottish Ministers.

(9) The Secretary of State must cause an amount payable by virtue of paragraph (a) or (c) of subsection (7) (whether determined under subsection (8) or agreed between the representative and the responsible person) to be certified.

(10) The Scottish Ministers must cause an amount payable by virtue of paragraph (b) or (d) of subsection (7) (whether so determined or so agreed) to be certified.

(11) An amount certified under subsection (9) or (10) is recoverable from the responsible person as a debt.

(12) Subsections (7) to (11) apply even if the inquiry does not take place.

(13) The power to make rules under—

(a) paragraph (a) of subsection (6) must be exercised by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament,

(b) paragraph (b) of that subsection must be exercised by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 265A inserted (6.8.2004 for specified purposes, 7.6.2006 in so far as not already in force) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), s. 91(1) (with s. 111); S.I. 2004/2097, art. 2; S.I. 2006/1281, art. 3

266 Orders as to expenses of parties where no local inquiry held. S

(1) This section applies to—

[F11 (a)] proceedings under this Act where the Secretary of State is required, before reaching a decision, to afford any person an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed by him[F12 , and

(b) proceedings arising under or by virtue of sections   46, 47, 75B, 75F, 130, 154, 169 and 180].

(2) The Secretary of State has the same power to make orders under section 265(9) in relation to proceedings to which this section applies which do not give rise to a local inquiry as he has in relation to a local inquiry.

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in s. 266(1) renumbered as s. 266(1)(a) (3.8.2009) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/256), arts. 1(3), 2(5)

F12 S. 266(1)(b) and word inserted (3.8.2009) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/256), arts. 1(3), 2(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 266 extended (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 9, ss. 79(1), 83(2) (with s. 45(4)

S. 266 applied (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 10, ss. 36, 40(2) (with ss. 9(3), 10(5), 38(6))

F13 267 [F13 Appeals and applications under this Act: procedure etc.] S

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe the procedure to be followed in connection with [F14 appeals and applications under this Act and as to the manner in which such appeals and applications are to be conducted].

[F15 (1A) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the regulations may—

(a) make different provision for different cases or classes of case and in particular according to whether an appeal is under subsection (1) of section 47 or under subsection (2) of that section,

(b) as regards the manner in which an appeal or application is to be conducted, make different provision for different stages of a case,

(c) make provision in relation to oral or written submissions and to documents in support of such submissions, and

(d) make provision in relation to time limits.

(1B) The provision which may be made by virtue of subsections (1) and (1A) includes provision as to—

(a) the making of oral submissions, or as to any failure to make such submissions or to lodge documents in support of such submissions,

(b) the lodging of, or as to any failure to lodge, written submissions or documents in support of such submissions, and

(c) subject to section 47A, as to what matters may be raised in the course of the appeal or application.

(1C) The provision which may be made by virtue of subsections (1) and (1A) includes provision that the manner in which an appeal or application, or any stage of an appeal or application, is to be conducted (as for example whether written submissions are to be presented or persons are to be heard) is to be at the discretion of the Scottish Ministers (or of a person appointed by them under or by virtue of this Act).]

(2) The regulations may in particular make provision as to the procedure to be followed—

(a) where steps have been taken with a view to the holding of F16 ... an inquiry or hearing which does not take place, or

(b) where steps have been taken with a view to the determination of any matter by a person appointed by the Secretary of State and the proceedings are the subject of a direction that the matter shall instead be determined by the Secretary of State, or

(c) where steps have been taken in pursuance of such a direction and a further direction is made revoking that direction,

and may provide that such steps shall be treated as compliance, in whole or in part, with the requirements of the regulations.

F17 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 267 heading substituted (12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 3.8.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 19(6), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(a), S.S.I. 20009/210, art. 2, sch.

F14 Words in s. 267(1) substituted (12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 3.8.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 19(5)(a), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(a), S.S.I. 20009/210, art. 2, sch.

F15 S. 267(1A)-(1C) inserted (12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 3.8.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 19(5)(b), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(a), S.S.I. 20009/210, art. 2, sch.

F16 Word in s. 267(2)(a) repealed (12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 3.8.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 19(5)(c), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(a), S.S.I. 20009/210, art. 2, sch.

F17 S. 267(3) repealed (12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 3.8.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 19(5)(d), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(a), S.S.I. 20009/210, art. 2, sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 267 applied (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 10, ss. 36, 40(2) (with ss. 9(3), 10(5), 38(6))

S. 267 extended (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 9, ss. 79(1), 83(2) (with s. 45(4)))

268 Inquiries under Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936. S

(1) Where the Ministers concerned so direct—

(a) any inquiry in relation to an order under this Act which in certain events becomes subject to special parliamentary procedure, and

(b) any hearing in connection with—

(i) an appeal against the refusal, or the grant, subject to conditions, of an application by statutory undertakers for planning permission to develop operational land,

(ii) such an application made by statutory undertakers and referred to the Secretary of State, or

(iii) the revocation or modification of planning permission to develop operational land granted to statutory undertakers,

shall be held by Commissioners under the M1 Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936.

(2) Any such direction shall be deemed to have been given under section 2, as read with section 10, of the M2 Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945.

(3) Subsections (5), (6) and (7) of section 231 shall not apply to an order mentioned in subsection (1)(a).

(4) Nothing in subsections (2) to (13) of section 265 shall apply to any inquiry to which subsection (1)(a) applies.

(5) The provisions of the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945 in relation to the publication of notices in the Edinburgh Gazette and in a newspaper shall, notwithstanding anything contained in that Act, not apply to any order under this Act which is subject to special parliamentary procedure.

Marginal Citations

M1 1936 c. 52.

M2 1945 (9 & 10 Geo. 6) c. 18.

[F18 Promotion and use of mediation etc. S

Textual Amendments

F18 S. 268A and cross-heading inserted (17.7.2021) by Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 13), ss. 40(2), 63(2); S.S.I. 2021/244, reg. 2

268A Promotion and use of mediation etc. S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may issue guidance in relation to the promotion and use of mediation in relation to the following—

(a) the preparation of local development plans and related evidence reports under Part 2,

(b) a prospective applicant's compliance with any requirements in respect of pre-application consultation imposed under or by virtue of section 35B,

(c) assisting in the determination of an application for planning permission,

(d) any other matter related to planning that they consider appropriate.

(2) Guidance under subsection (1) may include provision about—

(a) the form of mediation that is to be used in a particular circumstance, and

(b) the procedure to be followed in any such mediation.

(3) Local authorities must have regard to any guidance issued under subsection (1).

(4) Before issuing any guidance under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) planning authorities, and

(b) such other persons that the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.

(5) The Scottish Ministers must make any guidance issued under subsection (1) publicly available.

(6) The power under subsection (1) to issue guidance includes power to—

(a) issue guidance that varies guidance issued under that subsection, and

(b) revoke guidance issued under that subsection.

(7) For the purposes of this section, “mediation” includes any means of exploring, resolving or reducing disagreement between persons involving an impartial person that the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.

(8) The Scottish Ministers must issue guidance under subsection (1) within the period of two years beginning with the date on which the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 received Royal Assent.]

Rights of entry S

269 Rights of entry. S

(1) Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State or by a planning authority may at any reasonable time enter upon any land for the purpose of surveying it in connection with—

(a) the preparation, approval, adoption, making or amendment of a [F19 F20 ... local development] plan relating to the land under Part II, F21 ...,

(b) any application under Part III or sections 182 or 183, or under any order or regulations made under any of those provisions, for any permission, consent or determination to be given or made in connection with that land or any other land under that Part or those sections or under any such order or regulations, or

(c) any proposal by the planning authority or by the Secretary of State to make or serve any order or notice under Part III (other than section 61), Part VII (other than sections 160 to 163, 167 and 172 to 175) or under any order or regulations made under any of those provisions.

[F22 (1A) Any person duly authorised in writing by the planning authority may, at any reasonable time, enter upon land for the purposes of section 144A(4).]

(2) Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State or the planning authority may at any reasonable time enter upon any land for the purpose of ascertaining whether a stop notice[F23 , temporary stop notice] or an enforcement notice is being complied with.

(3) Any person who is an officer of the Valuation Office or is duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may at any reasonable time enter upon any land for the purpose of surveying it, or estimating its value, in connection with a claim for compensation under this Act in respect of that land or any other land.

(4) Any person who is an officer of the Valuation Office or is duly authorised in writing by a planning authority may at any reasonable time enter upon any land for the purpose of surveying it, or estimating its value, in connection with a claim for compensation in respect of that land or any other land which is payable by the planning authority under Part IV, section 204(1) or Part X (other than section 232(2) or (3) or 233(1)(a)(iii)).

(5) Any person who is an officer of the Valuation Office or is duly authorised in writing by a local authority or Minister authorised to acquire land under section 189 or 190, or by a local authority who have power to acquire land under Part VIII, may at any reasonable time enter upon any land for the purpose of surveying it, or estimating its value, in connection with any proposal to acquire that land or any other land, or in connection with any claim for compensation in respect of any such acquisition.

(6) Subject to section 270, any power conferred by this section to survey land shall be construed as including power to search and bore for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of the subsoil or the presence of minerals in it.

Textual Amendments

F19 Words in s. 269(1)(a) substituted (28.2.2009) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(15)(a), 59(2); S.S.I. 2009/70, art. 2, sch.

F20 Words in s. 269(1)(a) repealed (12.2.2023) by Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 13), s. 63(2), sch. 2 para. 1(12); S.S.I. 2023/10, reg. 3(2)(e)

F21 Words in s. 269(1)(a) repealed (28.2.2009) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(15)(b), 59(2); S.S.I. 2009/70, art. 2, sch.

F22 S. 269(1A) inserted (12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 3.8.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 26(2)(a), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(b); S.S.I. 2009/219, art. 2, sch.

F23 Words in s. 269(2) inserted (12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 3.8.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 26(2)(b), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(b); S.S.I. 2009/219, art. 2, sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 S. 269(6) applied (with modifications) (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 4 para. 7(3)(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

270 Supplementary provisions as to rights of entry. S

(1) A person authorised under section 269 to enter upon any land—

(a) shall, if so required, produce evidence of his authority and state the purpose of his entry before so entering, and

(b) shall not demand admission as of right to any land which is occupied unless 24 hours’ notice of the intended entry has been given to the occupier.

(2) Any person who wilfully obstructs a person acting in the exercise of his powers under section 269 shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(3) If any person who, in compliance with the provisions of section 269, is admitted into a factory, workshop or workplace discloses to any person any information obtained by him therein as to any manufacturing process or trade secret, he shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the disclosure is made in the course of performing his duty in connection with the purpose for which he was authorised to enter the land.

(5) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (3) shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, and

(b) on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine or both.

(6) Where any damage is caused to land or moveable property—

(a) in the exercise of a right of entry conferred under section 269, or

(b) in the making of any survey for the purpose of which any such right of entry has been so conferred,

compensation may be recovered by any person suffering the damage from the Secretary of State or authority on whose behalf the entry was effected.

(7) Section 86 shall apply in relation to compensation under subsection (6) as it applies in relation to compensation under Part IV.

(8) No person shall carry out under section 269 any works authorised by virtue of subsection (6) of that section unless notice of his intention to do so was included in the notice required by subsection (1).

(9) The authority of the [F24 Scottish Minister] shall be required for the carrying out under section 269(6) of works so authorised if the land in question is held by statutory undertakers, and they object to the proposed works on the ground that the carrying out of the work would be seriously detrimental to the carrying on of their undertaking.

Textual Amendments

F24 Words in s. 270(9) substituted (1.7.1999) by 1999/1820, arts. 1(2), 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 127(21); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 270(1)-(5) applied (with modifications) (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 4 para. 7(3)(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

C10 S. 270(8) applied (with modifications) (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 4 para. 7(3)(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

C11 S. 270(9) applied (with modifications) (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 4 para. 7(3)(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

[F25 270A Rights of entry: Crown land S

(1) Section 269 applies to Crown land subject to the following modifications.

(2) A person must not enter Crown land unless he has the relevant permission.

(3) Relevant permission is the permission of—

(a) a person appearing to the person seeking entry to the land to be entitled to give it, or

(b) the appropriate authority.

(4) In subsection (6) the words “Subject to section 270” must be ignored.

(5) Section 270 does not apply to anything done by virtue of this section.

(6) “ Appropriate authority ” must be construed in accordance with section 242. ]

Textual Amendments

F25 S. 270A inserted (12.6.2006) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), s. 121(4), Sch. 5 para. 14 (with s. 111); S.S.I. 2006/268, art. 3(f)

Miscellaneous and general provisions S

[F26 270B Equal opportunities S

(1) The Scottish Ministers and planning authorities must perform their functions under this Act in a manner which encourages equal opportunities and in particular the observance of the equal opportunity requirements.

(2) “ Equal opportunities ” and “ equal opportunity requirements ” have the same meanings in this section as they have in Section L2 of Part 2 of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998 (c. 46). ]

Textual Amendments

F26 S. 270B inserted (1.4.2007) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 51, 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2(2), sch.

271 Service of notices. S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, any notice or other document required or authorised to be served or given under this Act may be served or given—

(a) by delivering it to the person on whom it is to be served or to whom it is to be given,

(b) by leaving it at the usual or last known place of abode of that person or, in a case where an address for service has been given by that person, at that address,

(c) by sending it in a prepaid registered letter, or by the recorded delivery service, addressed to that person at his usual or last known place of abode, or, in a case where an address for service has been given by that person, at that address,

[F27 (cc) in a case where an address for service using electronic communications has been given by that person, by sending it using electronic communications, in accordance with the condition set out in subsection (4), to that person at that address (subject to subsection (5)); or]

(d) in the case of a person on whom the notice is required to be served as being a person appearing from the valuation roll to have an interest in land, by sending it in a prepaid registered letter, or by the recorded delivery service, addressed to that person at his address as entered in the valuation roll, or

(e) in the case of an incorporated company or body, by delivering it to the secretary or clerk of the company or body at their registered or principal office, or sending it in a prepaid registered letter, or by the recorded delivery service, addressed to the secretary or clerk of the company or body at that office.

(2) Where the notice or document is required or authorised to be served on any person as having an interest in premises, and the name of that person cannot be ascertained after reasonable inquiry, or where the notice or document is required or authorised to be served on any person as an occupier of premises, the notice or document shall be taken to be duly served if—

(a) being addressed to him either by name or by the description of “the owner”, “the lessee” or “the occupier”, as the case may be, of the premises (describing them) it is delivered or sent in the manner specified in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c), or

(b) it is so addressed and is marked in such manner as may be prescribed for securing that it shall be plainly identifiable as a communication of importance, and—

(i) it is sent to the premises in a prepaid registered letter or by the recorded delivery service and is not returned to the authority sending it, or

(ii) is delivered to some person on those premises, or is affixed conspicuously to some object on those premises.

(3) Where—

(a) the notice or other document is required to be served on or given to all persons who have interests in or are occupiers of premises comprised in any land, and

(b) it appears to the authority required or authorised to serve or give the notice or other document that any part of that land is unoccupied,

the notice or document shall be taken to be duly served on all persons having interests in, and on any occupiers of, premises comprised in that part of the land (other than a person who has given to that authority an address for the service of the notice or document on him) if it is addressed to “the owners and any lessees and occupiers” of that part of the land (describing it) and is affixed conspicuously to some object on the land.

[F28 (4) The condition mentioned in subsection (1)(cc) is that the notice or other document shall be–

(a) capable of being accessed by the person mentioned in that provision;

(b) legible in all material respects; and

(c) in a form sufficiently permanent to be used for subsequent reference;

and for this purpose “legible in all material respects” means that the information contained in the notice or document is available to that person to no lesser extent than it would be if served or given by means of a notice or document in printed form.

(5) Subsection (1)(cc) shall not apply to–

(a) serving a planning contravention notice;

(b) serving or giving notice to parties who must be notified of applications for planning permission and other matters in accordance with regulations made under sections 34 and 35;

(c) serving any notice, or withdrawal of any such notice under section 61;

(d) serving a notice under section 66(2);

(e) serving a notice under section 72(2) or a copy of an order under section 72(5);

(f) serving a purchase notice under section 88(2);

(g) serving any notice under section 90;

(h) serving a counter-notice under section 96(2) or 96(5)

(i) serving a counter-notice under 102;

(j) serving a blight notice under section 101(1);

(k) serving a copy of any enforcement notice by a planning authority;

(l) giving any notice under section 129 of the exercise of powers conferred by subsection (1) of that section;

(m) serving an enforcement notice issued by the Scottish Ministers;

(n) serving a stop notice, or of notice of withdrawal of a stop notice, by a planning authority;

(o) serving a stop notice by the Scottish Ministers;

(p) serving a breach of condition notice or of notice of withdrawal of a breach of condition notice;

(q) giving notice of the making of a tree preservation order, or service of a copy of such an order, in accordance with regulations under section 161;

(r) serving notice by a planning authority under section 179 requiring steps to be taken to abate the adverse effect on the amenity of any part of its district by reason of condition of any land within that district or an adjoining district;

(s) serving a notice under section 272 requiring information as to interests in land;

(t) serving a copy of a discontinuance, prohibition, suspension or supplementary suspension order made under Schedule 8; and

(u) serving a reminder under paragraph 4 of Schedule 10.]

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 271(1)(cc) inserted (28.7.2004) by Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Scotland) Order 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/332), arts. 1(1), 4(1)(2)

F28 S. 271(4)(5) inserted (28.7.2004) by Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Scotland) Order 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/332), arts. 1(1), 4(1)(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 271 extended (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 9, ss. 79(1), 83(2) (with s. 45(4))

S. 271 applied (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 10, ss. 36, 40(2) (with ss. 9(3), 10(5), 38(6))

C13 S. 271 applied (with application in accordance with reg. 2 of the amending S.S.I.) by Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 (S.S.I. 2008/432), regs. 1(2), 44

C14 S. 271 applied (30.6.2013) by The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/155), regs. 1, 48 (with reg. 2)

C15 S. 271 applied (1.6.2015) by The Town and Country Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/181), regs. 1, 59

[F29 271A Service of notices on the Crown S

(1) Any notice or other document required under this Act to be served on the Crown must be served on the appropriate authority.

(2) Section 271 does not apply for the purposes of the service of such a notice or document.

(3) “ Appropriate authority ” must be construed in accordance with section 242. ]

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 271A inserted (12.6.2006) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), s. 121(4), Sch. 5 para. 17 (with s. 111); S.S.I. 2006/268, art. 3(f)

272 Power to require information as to interests in land. S

(1) For the purpose of enabling any order to be made or any notice or other document to be served by him or them under this Act, the Secretary of State or a local authority may in writing require the occupier of any land and any person who, either directly or indirectly, receives rent in respect of any land to supply in writing such information as to the matters mentioned in subsection (2) as may be so specified.

(2) Those matters are—

(a) the nature of his interest in the land,

(b) the name and [F30 postal] address of any other person known to him as having an interest in the land, whether as F31 ... owner, heritable creditor, lessee or otherwise,

(c) the purpose for which the land is currently being used,

(d) the time when that use began,

(e) the name and [F32 postal] address of any person known to the person on whom the notice is served as having used the premises for that purpose, and

(f) the time when any activities being carried out on the premises began.

(3) A notice under subsection (1) may require information to be given within a specified period which is not less than 21 days from the date of service on him.

(4) Any person who has been required under subsection (1) to give any information and fails to give it shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(5) Any person who has been so required to give any information and knowingly makes any misstatement in respect of it shall be guilty of an offence and liable—

(a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, and

(b) on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to a fine or both.

(6) It shall be a defence in any proceedings under subsection (4) that the accused did not know and had no reasonable cause to know the information required of him.

Textual Amendments

F30 Word in s. 272(2)(b) inserted (28.7.2004) by Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Scotland) Order 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/332), arts. 1(1), 5(b)

F31 Word in s. 272(2)(b) repealed (28.11.2004) by Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 5), ss. 71, 77(2), Sch. 12 para. 60(4), Sch. 13 Pt. 1 (with ss. 58, 62, 75); S.S.I. 2003/456, art. 2

F32 Word in s. 272(2)(e) inserted (28.7.2004) by Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Scotland) Order 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/332), arts. 1(1), 5(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 272 extended (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 9, ss. s.79(1), 83(2) (with s. 45(4))

S. 272 applied (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 10, ss. 36, 40(2) (with ss. 9(3), 10(5), 38(6))

C17 S. 272: power to modify conferred (27.5.1997) by 1980 c. 65, Sch. 30 Pt. II para. 9 (as replaced (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 11, ss. 4, 6(2), Sch. 2 para. 31(12))

[F33 272A Information as to interests in Crown land S

(1) This section applies to an interest in Crown land which is not a private interest.

(2) Section 272 does not apply to an interest to which this section applies.

(3) For a purpose mentioned in section 272(1) the Scottish Ministers may request the appropriate authority to give them such information as to the matters mentioned in section 272(2) as they specify in the request.

(4) The appropriate authority must comply with a request under subsection (3) except to the extent—

(a) that the matter is not within the knowledge of the authority, or

(b) that to do so will disclose information as to any of the matters mentioned in section 265A(4).

(5) Expressions used in this section and in Part 12 (Crown Land) must be construed in accordance with that Part.]

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 272A inserted (12.6.2006) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), s. 121(4), Sch. 5 para. 18 (with s. 111); S.S.I. 2006/268, art. 3(f)

273 Offences by corporations. S

(1) Where an offence under this Act which has been committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of—

(a) a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or

(b) any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,

he, as well as the body corporate, shall be guilty of that offence and be liable to be proceeded against accordingly.

(2) In subsection (1) “director”, in relation to any body corporate—

(a) which was established by or under an enactment for the purpose of carrying on under national ownership an industry or part of an industry or undertaking, and

(b) whose affairs are managed by its members,

means a member of that body corporate.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 273 extended (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 9, ss. 79(1), 83(2) (with s. 45(4))

S. 273 excluded (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 9, ss. 79(2), 83(2) (with s. 45(4))

S. 273 applied (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 10, ss. 36, 40(2) (with ss. 9(3), 10(5), 38(6))

274 Combined applications. S

(1) Regulations may provide for the combination in a single document, made in such form and transmitted to such authority as may be prescribed, of—

(a) an application for planning permission in respect of any development and

(b) an application required, under any enactment specified in the regulations, to be made to a local authority in respect of that development.

(2) Before making such regulations, the Secretary of State shall consult such local authorities or associations of local authorities as appear to him to be concerned.

(3) Different provision may be made by any such regulations in relation to areas in which different enactments are in force.

(4) If an application required to be made to a local authority under an enactment specified in any such regulations is made in accordance with the provisions of the regulations, it shall be valid notwithstanding anything in that enactment prescribing, or enabling any authority to prescribe, the form in which, or the manner in which, such an application is to be made.

(5) Subsection (4) is without prejudice to—

(a) the validity of any application made in accordance with the enactment in question, or

(b) any provision of that enactment enabling a local authority to require further particulars of the matters to which the application relates.

(6) In this section “application” includes a submission.

(7) Subsection (1) shall apply in relation to applications for an approval required by a development order as it applies in relation to applications for planning permission.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 274(2)-(6) applied (22.9.2004 for specified purposes, 1.5.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Building (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 8), ss. 33(4), 59(1) (with s. 53); S.S.I. 2004/404, art. 2(1)(2), Sch. 1

275 Regulations and orders. S

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations—

(a) for prescribing the form of any notice, order or other document authorised or required by this Act to be served, made or issued by any planning authority which is a local authority,

(b) for any purpose for which regulations are authorised or required to be made under this Act, other than a purpose for which regulations are authorised or required to be made by another Minister, and

(c) for any of the purposes mentioned in section 28 of the M3 Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1963 (power to prescribe matters relevant to Part IV).

(2) Any power conferred by this Act to make regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

[F34 (2A) Regulations may make different provision for different purposes [F35 and areas].]

[F36 [F37 (2B)] Any power conferred by this Act to make regulations or orders includes power to make such incidental, supplemental, consequential, transitory, transitional or saving provision as the Scottish Ministers consider necessary or expedient.]

(3) Any statutory instrument containing regulations made under this Act (except regulations which, by virtue of any provision of this Act, are of no effect unless approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(4) The power to make development orders under section 30 and to make orders under sections [F38 4(1)], 26(2)(f)[F39 , (6A) and (6C),[F40 26AB(1),] 31A], 54 and 100(3)(a) or paragraph 7 or 8 of Schedule 1 shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

(5) Any statutory instrument which contains a development order or an order under section [F41 4(1), 54, 100(3)(a), 241B(3), 241C(6) or 241D(3)(f)] or paragraph 4(5) or 5(5) of Schedule 9 shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

[F42 (5A) No order made under section 26(6A) [F43 or (6C)][F44 or 26AB(1)] is to be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Scottish Parliament.]

(6) Without prejudice to subsection (5), where a development order makes provision for excluding or modifying any enactment contained in a public general Act (other than an enactment specified in subsection (7)) [F45 or in an Act of the Scottish Parliament (other than a private Act or an enactment specified in subsection (7))] the order shall not have effect until that provision is approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(7) The enactments referred to in subsection (6) are—

F46 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) any enactment making such provision as might by virtue of any Act of Parliament [F47 or of the Scottish Parliament] have been made in relation to the area to which the development order applies by means of a byelaw, order or regulation not requiring confirmation by Parliament [F48 or by the Scottish Parliament], and

(c) any enactment which has been previously excluded or modified by a development order, and any enactment having substantially the same effect as any such enactment.

[F49 (7A) On the first occasion on which regulations are made under each of paragraph (d) of section 7(1) and paragraph (a)(i) of section 19(10), the statutory instrument containing the regulations is not made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Parliament.

(7B) A statutory instrument containing regulations made under section 136A(4) or 145A(4) is not made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Parliament.]

[F50 (7BA) Regulations under sections 3CC(3), 3G(5)(b), 26B(5), 40A, 41B(4), 77A(1), 251B(2) and [ ] and paragraph 3 of schedule 5A are subject to the affirmative procedure (as defined by section 29 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010).]

(8) Without prejudice to section 14 of the M4 Interpretation Act 1978, any power conferred by this Act to make an order shall include power to vary or revoke any such order by a subsequent order.

Textual Amendments

F34 S. 275(2A) inserted (12.6.2006) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), s. 121(4), Sch. 7 para. 20(3) (with s. 111); S.S.I. 2006/268, art. 3(d)

F35 Words in s. 275(2A) inserted (1.12.2019) by Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 13), ss. 48(2), 63(2); S.S.I. 2019/385, reg. 2

F36 Second s. 275(2A) inserted (6.2.2007) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(16)(a), 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/49, art. 2, sch.

F37 S. 275(2B): second s. 275(2A) renumbered as s. 275(2B) (30.6.2014) by Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 3), s. 61(2), sch. 3 para. 32; S.S.I. 2014/160, art. 2(1)(2), sch.

F38 Word in s. 275(4) substituted (19.5.2008 for specified purposes, 28.2.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(16)(b)(i), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/164, art. 2(1), S.S.I. 2009/70, art. 2, sch.

F39 Words in s. 275(4) substituted (6.2.2007 for specified purposes, 1.4.2007 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 3(4)(a), 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/49, art. 2, sch., S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2, sch

F40 Word in s. 275(4) inserted (6.4.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 63(4)(a), 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 3(a)

F41 Words in s. 275(5) substituted (19.5.2008 for specified purposes) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(16)(c), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/164, art. 2(1)

F42 S. 275(5A) inserted (6.2.2007 for specified purposes, 31.3.2007 in so far as not already in force) by Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 3), ss. 24(4)(b), 38(1); S.S.I. 2007/50, art. 2

F43 Words in s. 275(5A) inserted (6.2.2007 for specified purposes, 1.4.2007 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 3(4)(b), 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/49, art. 2, sch., S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2, sch

F44 Words in s. 275(5A) inserted (6.4.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 63(4)(b), 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 3(a)

F45 Words in s. 275(6) inserted (1.4.2007) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(16)(d), 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2(2), sch.

F46 S. 275(7)(a) repealed (1.1.2010) by The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 (Commencement No.3, Consequential Provisions and Revocation) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/404), art. 2(4), sch. 4 Pt. 1

F47 Words in s. 275(7)(b) inserted (1.4.2007) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(16)(e)(i), 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2(2), sch.

F48 Words in s. 275(7)(b) inserted (1.4.2007) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(16)(e)(ii), 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2(2), sch.

F49 S. 275(7A)(7B) inserted (19.5.2008 for specified purposes, 28.2.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(16)(f), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/164, art. 2(1), S.S.I. 2009/70, art. 2, sch.

F50 S. 275(7BA) inserted (8.11.2019 for specified purposes, 1.12.2019 for specified purposes, 18.5.2020 for specified purposes, 1.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 13), s. 63(2), sch. 2 para. 9(2); S.S.I. 2019/314, reg. 2; S.S.I. 2019/385, reg. 2; S.S.I. 2020/67, reg. 2; S.S.I. 2024/79, reg. 2(1)(2)(f)(6)

Marginal Citations

M3 1963 c. 51.

M4 1978 c. 30.

[F51 275A Further provision as regards regulations: inquiries etc. S

(1) Subject to any other provision made by this Act as regards the procedure to be followed in connection with inquiries, hearings, referrals or reviews conducted under or by virtue of the Act, the Scottish Ministers may under this subsection make regulations as regards such procedure.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), such regulations may relate to procedure in connection with matters preparatory to such inquiries, hearings, referrals or reviews and in connection with matters subsequent to them.]

Textual Amendments

F51 S. 275A inserted (12.12.2008) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 52(1), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(1)

[F52 275B Directions S

(1) Having given a direction in exercise of a power conferred by virtue of this Act, the Scottish Ministers are to publish—

(a) the direction, and

(b) their reasons for giving it.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the following—

(a) a direction under section 265A,

(b) a direction given before [F53 1 December 2019],

(c) a direction given in the form of a regulation or order (see, for example, section 173(1)).

(3) In this section, “publish” includes, without prejudice to that expression's generality, publish by electronic means (as for example by means of the internet).]

Textual Amendments

F52 S. 275B inserted (1.12.2019) by Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 13), ss. 49(2), 63(2) (with s. 60(2)); S.S.I. 2019/385, reg. 2

F53 Words in s. 275B(2)(b) substituted (18.12.2019) by The Planning (Scotland) Act (Actual Dates) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/410), regs. 1, 2(2)

276 Act not excluded by special enactments. S

For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the provisions of this Act, and any restrictions or powers thereby imposed or conferred in relation to land, apply and may be exercised in relation to any land notwithstanding that provision is made by any enactment in force at the passing of the 1947 Act, or by any local Act passed at any time during the Session of Parliament held during the regnal years 10 & 11 Geo. 6, for authorising or regulating any development of the land.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 276 extended (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 9, ss. 79(1), 83(2) (with s. 45(4))

S. 276 applied (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 10, ss. 36, 40(2) (with ss. 9(3), 10(5), 38(6))

C21 S. 276 applied (4.10.2005) by Inverness Harbour Revision (Works) Order 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/489), arts. 1(1), 15(1) (with reg. 16)

277 Interpretation. S

(1) In this Act, except in so far as the context otherwise requires and subject to the following provisions of this section and to any transitional provision made by the M5 Planning (Consequential Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1997—

• “acquiring authority”, in relation to the acquisition of an interest in land (whether compulsorily or by agreement) or to a proposal so to acquire such an interest, means the government department, local authority or other body by whom the interest is, or is proposed to be, acquired;

• “the 1947 Act” means the M6 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1947;

• “the 1972 Act” means the M7 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972;

• [F54 “address”, in relation to electronic communications, means any number or address used for the purposes of such communications;]

• “advertisement” means any word, letter, model, sign, placard, board, notice, awning, blind, device or representation, whether illuminated or not, in the nature of, and employed wholly or partly for the purposes of, advertisement, announcement or direction, and (without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this definition), includes any hoarding or similar structure used or designed, or adapted for use and anything else used, or designed or adapted principally for use, for the display of advertisements, and references to the display of advertisements shall be construed accordingly;

• “aftercare condition” has the meaning given by paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 3;

• “agriculture” includes horticulture, fruit growing, seed growing, dairy farming, the breeding and keeping of livestock (including any creature kept for the production of food, wool, skins or fur, or for the purpose of its use in the farming of land), the use of land as grazing land, meadow land, osier land, market gardens and nursery grounds, and the use of land for woodlands where that use is ancillary to the farming of land for other agricultural purposes, and “agricultural” shall be construed accordingly;

• F55 . . .;

• “breach of condition notice” has the meaning given by section 145;

• “breach of planning control” has the meaning given by section 123;

• “bridleway” has the same meaning as in section 47 of the M8 Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967;

• “building” includes any structure or erection, and any part of a building, as so defined, but does not include plant or machinery comprised in a building;

• “building or works” includes waste materials, refuse and other matters deposited on land, and references to the erection or construction of buildings or works shall be construed accordingly and references to the removal of buildings or works include demolition of buildings and filling in of trenches;

• “building operations” has the meaning given by section 26;

• “caravan site” has the meaning given by section 1(4) of the M9 Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960;

• “common” includes any town or village green;

• “compliance period”, in relation to an enforcement notice, shall be construed in accordance with section 135(11);

• “compulsory acquisition” does not include the vesting in a person by an Act of Parliament [F56 or of the Scottish Parliament] of property previously vested in some other person;

• “conservation area” means an area designated under section 61 of the M10 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997;

• “depositing of mineral waste” means any process whereby a mineral-working deposit is created or enlarged and “depositing of refuse or waste materials” includes the depositing of mineral waste;

• “development” has the meaning given by section 26, and “develop” shall be construed accordingly;

• [F57 “ development consent ” means development consent under the Planning Act 2008; ]

• “development order” has the meaning given by section 30;

• “development plan” shall be construed in accordance with section 24;

• “disposal” F58 ... means disposal by way of sale, excambion or lease, or by way of the creation of any servitude, right or privilege, or in any other manner, except by way of appropriation, gift or the creation of a heritable security, and “dispose of” shall be construed accordingly;

• [F54 “electronic communication” has the same meaning as in the Electronic Communications Act 2000 (c. 7);]

• [F59 “ enactment ” includes an Act of the Scottish Parliament, an enactment in any local or private Act of Parliament or in any private Act of the Scottish Parliament, and an order, rule, regulation, byelaw or scheme made under an Act of Parliament or of the Scottish Parliament, including an order or scheme confirmed by Parliament or by the Scottish Parliament; ]

• “enforcement notice” means a notice under section 127;

• “engineering operations” includes the formation or laying out of means of access to roads;

• “enterprise zone scheme” means a scheme or modified scheme having effect to grant planning permission in accordance with section 55;

• “erection”, in relation to buildings as defined in this subsection, includes, extension, alteration and re-erection;

• “footpath” has the same meaning as in section 47 of the M11 Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967;

• “functions” includes powers and duties;

• “government department” includes any Minister of the Crown;

• “heritable security” means—

  (a)

  a heritable security within the meaning of the M12 Conveyancing (Scotland) Act 1924, but excluding F58 ... a real burden ad factum praestandum and including a security constituted by way of ex facie absolute disposition, or

  (b)

  an assignation in security of a lease recorded under the M13 Registration of Leases (Scotland) Act 1857,

  and “heritable creditor” shall be construed accordingly;

• “improvement”, in relation to a road, has the same meaning as in the M14 Roads (Scotland) Act 1984;

• “land” includes land covered with water and any building as defined by this section and, in relation to the acquisition of land under Part VIII, includes any interest in land and any servitude or right in or over land;

• “Lands Tribunal” means the Lands Tribunal for Scotland;

• “lease” includes a sub-lease, but does not include an option to take a lease;

• “local authority” means a council constituted under section 2 of the M15 Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994;

• [F60 “local development plan ” shall be construed in accordance with section 15;]

• [F60 “local developments ” has the meaning given by section 26A;]

• “local roads authority” has the same meaning as in the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984;

• [F60 “ major developments ” has the meaning given by section 26A;]

• “mineral-working deposit” means any deposit of material remaining after minerals have been extracted from land or otherwise deriving from the carrying out of operations for the winning and working of minerals in, on or under land;

• “minerals” includes all substances of a kind ordinarily worked for removal by underground or surface working;

• “mining operations” has the meaning given by section 26;

• “Minister” means any Minister of the Crown or other government department;

• [F60 “national developments” has the meaning given by section 3A(4)(b);]

• [F60 “ National Planning Framework” has the meaning given by section 3A(1);]

• “open space” means any land laid out as a public garden, or used for the purposes of public recreation, or land which is a disused burial ground;

• “operational land” has the meaning given by section 215;

• “owner”, in relation to any land, includes (except in [F61 sections 35, 75, 75C, 75D and 75G]) any person who under the Lands Clauses Acts would be enabled to sell and convey the land to the promoters of an undertaking, and includes also a lessee under a lease of agreement, the unexpired period of which exceeds 3 years;

• “the planning Acts” means this Act, the M16 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, the M17 Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Scotland) Act 1997 and the M18 Planning (Consequential Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1997;

• “planning authority” has the meaning given by section 1;

• “planning contravention notice” has the meaning given by section 125;

• “planning decision” means a decision made on an application under Part III [F62 or section 242A];

• “planning permission” means permission under Part III [F63 or permission granted on an application made under section 242A];

• “planning permission granted for a limited period” has the meaning given by section 41(3);

• “prescribed” (except in relation to matters expressly required or authorised by this Act to be prescribed in some other way) means prescribed by regulations under this Act;

• “public gas transporter” has the same meaning as in Part I of the M19 Gas Act 1986;

• “purchase notice” has the meaning given by section 88;

• “restoration condition” has the meaning given by paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 3;

• “road” has the same meaning as in the M20 Roads (Scotland) Act 1984;

• “simplified planning zone” and “simplified planning zone scheme” shall be construed in accordance with section 49;

• “statutory undertakers” and “statutory undertaking” have the meanings given by section 214;

• “steps for the protection of the environment” has the meaning given by paragraph 5(3) of Schedule 8;

• “stop notice” has the meaning given by section 140;

• F64 ...

• F64 ...

• F64 ...

• “suspension order” and “supplementary suspension order” have the meanings given by paragraphs 5 and 6 respectively of Schedule 8;

• [F60 “ temporary stop notice” shall be construed in accordance with section 144A; ]

• “tree preservation order” has the meaning given by section 160;

• [F65 “universal postal service provider” means a universal service provider within the meaning of [F66 Part 3 of the Postal Services Act 2011]; and references to the provision of a universal postal service shall be construed in accordance with [F67 that Part];]

• “urban development area” and “urban development corporation” have the same meaning as in section 171 of the M21 Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980;

• “use”, in relation to land, does not include the use of land for the carrying out of any building or other operations on it;

• “Valuation Office” means the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue Department; F68 ...

• [F69 “waste” includes anything which is waste for the purposes of section 75(2) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43); and ]

• “the winning and working of minerals” includes the extraction of minerals from a mineral working deposit.

F70 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F71 [( 3 ) If, in relation to anything required or authorised to be done under this Act, any question arises whether land of statutory undertakers is operational land, that question shall be determined by the Scottish Ministers.]

(4) Words in this Act importing a reference to service of a notice to treat shall be construed as including a reference to the constructive service of such a notice which, by virtue of any enactment, is to be deemed to be served.

[F72 (4A) Where an electronic communication is used for the purpose of serving on, or giving to, a person any notice or other document for the purposes of this Act, and the communication is received by that person–

(a) at any time before the end of a day which is a working day, it shall be deemed to have been received on that day; or

(b) at any time during a day which is not a working day, it shall be deemed to be received on the next working day,

and in this subsection “working day” means a day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, Christmas Eve, a bank holiday in Scotland under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, a day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning or any other day which is a local or public holiday in an area in which the electronic communication is received.]

(5) With respect to references in this Act to planning decisions—

(a) in relation to a decision altered on appeal [F73 or review] by the reversal or variation of the whole or part of it, such references shall be construed as references to the decision as so altered;

(b) in relation to a decision upheld on appeal, such references shall be construed as references to the decision of the planning authority and not to the decision of the Secretary of State on the appeal;

[F74 (ba) in relation to a decision upheld on review under section   43A(8)(a) or   (b), such references shall be construed as references to the decision of the person appointed under the scheme of delegation to determine the application and not to the decision of the planning authority on review; ]

(c) in relation to a decision given on an appeal in the circumstances mentioned in section 47(2), such references shall be construed as references to the decision so given;

[F75 (ca) in relation to a decision given on a review under section   43A(8)(c), such references shall be construed as references to the decision so given; ]

(d) the time of a planning decision, in a case where there is or was an appeal, shall be taken to be or have been the time of the decision as made by the planning authority (whether or not that decision is or was altered on that appeal) or, in the case of a decision given on an appeal in the circumstances mentioned in section 47(2), the time when in accordance with that section notification of a decision of the planning authority is deemed to have been received.

[F76 (da) the time of a planning decision—

(i) in the case where there is or was a review under section   43A(8)(a) or   (b), shall be taken to be or have been the time of the decision as made by the person appointed under the scheme of delegation to determine the application (whether or not that decision is or was altered on review); or

(ii) in the case of a decision given on a review under section   43A(8)(c), shall be taken to be or have been the time when the application is deemed to have been refused under section   43A(9).

(6) Section 27 shall apply for determining for the purposes of this Act when development of land shall be taken to be initiated.

(7) In this Act any reference to a sale or purchase includes a reference to a sale or purchase by way of feu, and any reference to the price in relation to a sale or purchase includes a reference to grassum, feuduty and ground annual.

F77 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F78 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) Without prejudice to section 20(2) of the M22 Interpretation Act 1978, references in this Act to any enactment shall, except where the context otherwise requires, be construed as references to that enactment as amended by or under any other enactment.

[F79 (11) Any reference in this Act to registering an instrument (or any other document, however described) in the Land Register of Scotland is to be construed as a reference to registering the information contained in the instrument (or other document) in that Register.]]

Textual Amendments

F54 Definitions of “address” and “electronic communication” in s. 277(1) inserted (28.7.2004) by Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Scotland) Order 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/332), arts. 1(1), 6(2)

F55 S. 277(1): definition of “the appropriate Minister” repealed (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, arts. 1(2), 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 127(22)(a), Pt. IV; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

F56 Words in s. 277(1) inserted (1.4.2007) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(17)(a)(ii), 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2(2), sch.

F57 Words in s. 277(1) inserted (1.3.2010) by Planning Act 2008 (c. 29), s. 241(8), Sch. 2 para. 58 (with s. 226); S.I. 2010/101, art. 2 (with art. 6)

F58 Words in s. 277(1) repealed (28.11.2004) by Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 5), ss. 71, 77(2), Sch. 12 para. 60(5)(a), Sch. 13 Pt. 1 (with ss. 58, 62, 75); S.S.I. 2003/456, art. 2

F59 Words in s. 277(1) substituted (1.4.2007) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(17)(a)(iii), 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2(2), sch.

F60 Words in s. 277(1) inserted (1.4.2007 for specified purposes, 25.6.2008 for specified purposes, 12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 28.2.2009 for specified purposes, 6.4.2009 for specified purposes, 3.8.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(17)(a)(i), 59(2); S.S.I. 2007/130, art. 2(2)(3), sch., S.S.I. 2008/164, art. 2(2), sch. (as amended (1.6.2008) by S.S.I. 2008/191, art. 3), S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(c), S.S.I. 2009/70, art. 2, sch., S.S.I. 2009/100, art. 2, sch., S.S.I. 2009/219, art. 2, sch.

F61 Words in s. 277(1) substituted (12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 1.2.2011 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(17)(a)(iv), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(c), S.S.I. 2010/400, art. 3, sch.

F62 Words in s. 277(1) inserted (11.5.2006) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Commencement No.2 and Consequential Provisions) (Scotland) Order 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/243), arts. 1(1), 4(12)(a)

F63 Words in s. 277(1) inserted (11.5.2006) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Commencement No.2 and Consequential Provisions) (Scotland) Order 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/243), arts. 1(1), 4(12)(b)

F64 Words in s. 277(1) repealed (12.2.2023) by Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 13), s. 63(2), sch. 2 para. 1(13); S.S.I. 2023/10, reg. 3(2)(e)

F65 Definition of “universal service provider” in s. 277 inserted (26.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 115 (subject to art. 1(3))

F66 Words in s. 277(1) substituted (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 151(a); S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3

F67 Words in s. 277(1) substituted (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 151(b); S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3

F68 Word in s. 277(1) omitted (27.3.2011) by virtue of The Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/226), regs. 1(1), 4

F69 Words in s. 277(1) inserted (27.3.2011) by The Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/226), regs. 1(1), 4

F70 S. 277(2) repealed (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, arts. 1(2), 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 127(22)(b), Pt. IV; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

F71 S. 277(3) substituted (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, arts. 1(2), 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 127(22)(c); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

F72 S. 277(4A) inserted (28.7.2004) by Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Scotland) Order 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/332), arts. 1(1), 6(3)

F73 Words in s. 277(5)(a) inserted (3.8.2009) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/256), arts. 1(3), 2(6)(a)

F74 S. 277(5)(ba) inserted (3.8.2009) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/256), arts. 1(3), 2(6)(b)

F75 S. 277(5)(ca) inserted (3.8.2009) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/256), arts. 1(3), 2(6)(c)

F76 S. 277(5)(da) inserted (3.8.2009) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/256), arts. 1(3), 2(6)(d)

F77 S. 277(8) repealed (28.11.2004) by Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 5), ss. 71, 77(2), Sch. 12 para. 60(5)(b), Sch. 13 Pt. 1 (with ss. 58, 62, 75); S.S.I. 2003/456, art. 2

F78 S. 277(9) repealed (3.8.2009) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), s. 59(2), sch.; S.S.I. 2009/219, art. 2, sch.

F79 S. 277(11) added (12.12.2008 for specified purposes, 1.2.2011 in so far as not already in force) by Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17), ss. 54(17)(b), 59(2); S.S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(2)(3)(c), S.S.I. 2010/400, art. 3, sch.

Marginal Citations

M5 1997 c. 11.

M6 1947 c. 53.

M7 1972 c. 52.

M8 1967 c. 86.

M9 1960 c. 62.

M10 1997 c. 9.

M11 1967 c. 86.

M12 1924 c. 27.

M13 1857 c. 26.

M14 1984 c. 54.

M15 1994 c. 39.

M16 1997 c. 9.

M17 1997 c. 10.

M18 1997 c. 11.

M19 1986 c. 44.

M20 1984 c. 54.

M21 1980 c. 65.

M22 1978 c. 30.

278 Citation, commencement and extent. S

(1) This Act may be cited as the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.

(2) Except as provided in Schedule 3 to the M23 Planning (Consequential Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1997, this Act shall come into force at the end of the period of 3 months beginning with the day on which it is passed.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), this Act extends to Scotland only.

(4) Section 70 and Schedule 7 extend also to England and Wales.

Marginal Citations

M23 1997 c. 11.