How is building work approved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Each nation runs its own system. In Scotland you need a building warrant from the council before work starts and a completion certificate at the end. Wales uses its own permitted development rules and building regulations, and the Party Wall Act still applies. Northern Ireland’s councils handle both planning and building control, and there is no party wall act.
What is different in Scotland?
Building work needs a building warrant before it begins, and the council accepts a completion certificate once it is finished. Planning permission is separate. Permitted development for householders is set by Scottish regulations and is generally tighter for dormers. The Party Wall etc. Act does not apply; title deeds and, for tenements, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 govern shared parts.
What is different in Wales?
Planning and building regulations are devolved, so Wales has its own permitted development rules and approved documents. Small rear extensions and rear dormers can often go ahead without an application, but the limits differ from England’s, and there is no larger rear extension prior approval route. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies as in England.
What is different in Northern Ireland?
The eleven councils decide planning applications and run building control. Permitted development is set by the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015. There is no party wall act, so work near neighbours is agreed directly.
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This guide is general information about building work in the UK, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check the current position for your property with the council, HMRC or a qualified adviser before relying on it.